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Gift of Desire
THE GIFT by Samantha Kane
On Christmas Eve, 1817, Captain Jeremy Highsmith of the Royal Navy and his best friend Lieutenant Rhys Wilkinson return to England after almost a year in captivity. Their bond of friendship grew even stronger as they were tortured while being held for ransom by the Bey of Algiers. All that kept them going was the idea of returning to Jeremy’s wife, Cordelia, the woman they both courted and are both still in love with. But will Cordelia be willing to accept both of them…in her heart and her bed?
For Cordelia Highsmith, the greatest Christmas gift she could ever imagine is the return of her husband and his best friend. But can she accept the even greater gift they offer…the two of them, hers, forever?
MY HEART'S DESIRE by Kate Pearce
After a dreadful disfiguring accident and the loss of her husband, Caroline Lyndhurst has spent the last two years hiding away from society. One man has never forgotten her. Jasper, Lord Mansell is determined not only to see her again, but to persuade her that in the spirit of Christmas, true love can bloom again.
Warning: This anthology contains m/f/m sex scenes.
On Christmas Eve, 1817, Captain Jeremy Highsmith of the Royal Navy and his best friend Lieutenant Rhys Wilkinson return to England after almost a year in captivity. Their bond of friendship grew even stronger as they were tortured while being held for ransom by the Bey of Algiers. All that kept them going was the idea of returning to Jeremy’s wife, Cordelia, the woman they both courted and are both still in love with. But will Cordelia be willing to accept both of them…in her heart and her bed?
For Cordelia Highsmith, the greatest Christmas gift she could ever imagine is the return of her husband and his best friend. But can she accept the even greater gift they offer…the two of them, hers, forever?
MY HEART'S DESIRE by Kate Pearce
After a dreadful disfiguring accident and the loss of her husband, Caroline Lyndhurst has spent the last two years hiding away from society. One man has never forgotten her. Jasper, Lord Mansell is determined not only to see her again, but to persuade her that in the spirit of Christmas, true love can bloom again.
Warning: This anthology contains m/f/m sex scenes.
110 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 5, 2013
157 people are currently reading
583 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Kane
54 books769 followersSamantha Kane lives in North Carolina with her husband and three children, two boys and one girl. With a master’s degree in American history, she spent seven years as a high school history teacher before becoming a full-time writer and mom.
Series:
THE BIRMINGHAM REBELS
BROTHERS IN ARMS
THE SAINT'S DEVILS
THE 93RD HIGHLANDERS
MERCURY RISING
Series:
THE BIRMINGHAM REBELS
BROTHERS IN ARMS
THE SAINT'S DEVILS
THE 93RD HIGHLANDERS
MERCURY RISING
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
December 9, 2016
3 Historical porn Stars
This book contains two short HOT historical stories. Really it was just some awesome historical porn that was based along time ago at Christmas time :)
This book contains two short HOT historical stories. Really it was just some awesome historical porn that was based along time ago at Christmas time :)
November 12, 2022
Meh. Slightly too spicy for the “For Science” Buddy Read, but it was downloaded, so I decided to try it.
Written well, but the spicy stuff was…not quite my speed. The first story was a mild m/m/f, the m didn’t do much more than kiss. One of the m had horrible back scarring from being tortured as a POW.
The second story was just m/f, with the f having survived a fire with horrendous scarring on the right side of her body.
Both stories involve bodies that weren’t “perfect”, so kudos for that.
Both stories are also too short to really get into the characters, so I didn’t really care about any of them. This is an instance where if the stories were a tad longer, I think it would have been better.
2, not horrible but not great, stars.
Written well, but the spicy stuff was…not quite my speed. The first story was a mild m/m/f, the m didn’t do much more than kiss. One of the m had horrible back scarring from being tortured as a POW.
The second story was just m/f, with the f having survived a fire with horrendous scarring on the right side of her body.
Both stories involve bodies that weren’t “perfect”, so kudos for that.
Both stories are also too short to really get into the characters, so I didn’t really care about any of them. This is an instance where if the stories were a tad longer, I think it would have been better.
2, not horrible but not great, stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2014
Gift of Desire comprises two novellas - Gift, by Samantha Kane, and My Heart's Desire, by Kate Pearce. They are set during the Regency and ostensibly set at Christmas, although to be honest neither story felt particularly Christmassy! Which isn't to say I didn't enjoy them - I did!
The first story, The Gift, was quite a new departure for me, describing as it did a loving menage between Cordelia, her husband Jeremy and their mutual friend Rhys. Both men have been prisoners of war at Algiers and have formed a strong, loving bond. They want each other and they both want Cordelia... I won't spoil the story, but although the scenes between them were very frank and spicy, they were also loving and caring, which is important for me.
The second tale, My Heart's Desire, was a sizzling story charting the attraction between young widow Caroline and the handsome Jasper. This was an unusual story in that the heroine is badly scarred following a fire. That made for an interesting departure from the usual. I've read plenty of historical romance where the hero is scarred, but not the heroine. The love-scenes between the hero and heroine were all the more touching for it. I cared about them both.
So, all in all, a recommended read which, at 109 pages long, is just long enough for a quick, spicy read. Actually, both stories could probably be developed into full-length novels.
The first story, The Gift, was quite a new departure for me, describing as it did a loving menage between Cordelia, her husband Jeremy and their mutual friend Rhys. Both men have been prisoners of war at Algiers and have formed a strong, loving bond. They want each other and they both want Cordelia... I won't spoil the story, but although the scenes between them were very frank and spicy, they were also loving and caring, which is important for me.
The second tale, My Heart's Desire, was a sizzling story charting the attraction between young widow Caroline and the handsome Jasper. This was an unusual story in that the heroine is badly scarred following a fire. That made for an interesting departure from the usual. I've read plenty of historical romance where the hero is scarred, but not the heroine. The love-scenes between the hero and heroine were all the more touching for it. I cared about them both.
So, all in all, a recommended read which, at 109 pages long, is just long enough for a quick, spicy read. Actually, both stories could probably be developed into full-length novels.
January 10, 2014
WOW ... Well Samantha Kane's story was predictable of course because that's what she writes bt I didn't expect such a short novella to be SO touching! GAWD, I wish it was a full novel !!!
WoooooWSER to Kate Pearce!!! Holy cry-fest in a very good way batkids! What a cute little heartwarming story with lovely smut to boot :]~~ my fave! I cried , of course, and I laughed and then I cried again!
GAAAAAAAAAWD, I love these two women!!!!
WoooooWSER to Kate Pearce!!! Holy cry-fest in a very good way batkids! What a cute little heartwarming story with lovely smut to boot :]~~ my fave! I cried , of course, and I laughed and then I cried again!
GAAAAAAAAAWD, I love these two women!!!!
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January 9, 2014
3.5 stars
I forgot how naughty Ms. Kane could be. ;)
I forgot how naughty Ms. Kane could be. ;)
June 13, 2019
The Gift by Samantha Kane - 89 pgs - 2* - 6/13/19
I have to admit menagé stories are still not my cup of tea, especially if they include a bi-sexual element.
I liked the writting style and thought the story development interesting but struggled with the three main characters - though that could be due to the genre.
The many typos and formating issues (the same as with the 2nd story) led once again to subtracting one star from the final rating. As usual I'll change it to 3* in case I get an update without them.
My Heart's Desire by Kate Pearce - 63 pgs - 4* - 6/12/19
I loved this story and the two main characters very much. It was a nice short historical romance with well crafted sex scenes.
I'm looking forward to read more by this author in case I'm in the mood for a well written hot historical romance.
The only reason I didn't rate this short story 5* were the many formating isses (quite a number of kursive words without spacing around them). In case I ever receive an update without these I'll change my rating to 5*.
I have to admit menagé stories are still not my cup of tea, especially if they include a bi-sexual element.
I liked the writting style and thought the story development interesting but struggled with the three main characters - though that could be due to the genre.
The many typos and formating issues (the same as with the 2nd story) led once again to subtracting one star from the final rating. As usual I'll change it to 3* in case I get an update without them.
My Heart's Desire by Kate Pearce - 63 pgs - 4* - 6/12/19
I loved this story and the two main characters very much. It was a nice short historical romance with well crafted sex scenes.
I'm looking forward to read more by this author in case I'm in the mood for a well written hot historical romance.
The only reason I didn't rate this short story 5* were the many formating isses (quite a number of kursive words without spacing around them). In case I ever receive an update without these I'll change my rating to 5*.
January 1, 2015
★★★☆☆½
I love both Samantha Kane Brothers In Arms series and Kate Pearce House of Pleasures series and this is a two-story anthology.
THE GIFT by Samantha Kane ★★★★☆
Cordelia's husband Jeremy and his best friend, Rhys return home after being abducted and ransomed a year ago. Rhys returns worse for the wear of captivity. While Jeremy and Rhys were away, they had become much closer than just friends, would they be able to continue with this closeness with Cordelia?
As the men surprise Cordelia, she in turn surprises them with her acceptance and love.
MY HEART'S DESIRE by Kate Pearce ★★★☆☆
Caroline has been hiding away for two years following the death of her husband and the damaging effects of the fire she suffered when he died in a boat accident. She's staying with her older sister when an old friend, Jasper, accompanies his nephew who is courting her niece.
Jasper has an uphill battle convincing Caroline to give him a chance.....
Overall, a sexy anthology from a couple of historical romance queens.
I love both Samantha Kane Brothers In Arms series and Kate Pearce House of Pleasures series and this is a two-story anthology.
THE GIFT by Samantha Kane ★★★★☆
Cordelia's husband Jeremy and his best friend, Rhys return home after being abducted and ransomed a year ago. Rhys returns worse for the wear of captivity. While Jeremy and Rhys were away, they had become much closer than just friends, would they be able to continue with this closeness with Cordelia?
As the men surprise Cordelia, she in turn surprises them with her acceptance and love.
MY HEART'S DESIRE by Kate Pearce ★★★☆☆
Caroline has been hiding away for two years following the death of her husband and the damaging effects of the fire she suffered when he died in a boat accident. She's staying with her older sister when an old friend, Jasper, accompanies his nephew who is courting her niece.
Jasper has an uphill battle convincing Caroline to give him a chance.....
Overall, a sexy anthology from a couple of historical romance queens.
December 12, 2014
I'm giving this four stars for the Samantha Kane story. The Kate Pearce is OK, but I'm finding most of her stories to be rather mediocre, especially when compared to Kane's.
The Gift was, in my opinion, a great erotic short. There was a tearful, heartfelt reunion, wounds, healing, and lots and lots of m/m/f sex. Fun times. But even though Samantha Kane writes really good menage scenes, I find myself drawn to her characters, which is strange in the the world of erotic fiction. Most characters are simply there to fulfill their roles as sex props. Kane gives hers personalities. It's refreshing.
My Heart's Desire is, as I already mentioned, slightly mediocre. Pearce seems to unfortunately fall back on the "physically wounded" trope to give her characters personality, and since that's really all there is, I couldn't sympathize. I understood Caroline had been through a lot, but that didn't make me sympathetic towards her when she was acting like a total bitch.
I found this book to be worth the price tag for the Kane story, though. I'm off to read more of her stuff now.
The Gift was, in my opinion, a great erotic short. There was a tearful, heartfelt reunion, wounds, healing, and lots and lots of m/m/f sex. Fun times. But even though Samantha Kane writes really good menage scenes, I find myself drawn to her characters, which is strange in the the world of erotic fiction. Most characters are simply there to fulfill their roles as sex props. Kane gives hers personalities. It's refreshing.
My Heart's Desire is, as I already mentioned, slightly mediocre. Pearce seems to unfortunately fall back on the "physically wounded" trope to give her characters personality, and since that's really all there is, I couldn't sympathize. I understood Caroline had been through a lot, but that didn't make me sympathetic towards her when she was acting like a total bitch.
I found this book to be worth the price tag for the Kane story, though. I'm off to read more of her stuff now.
December 24, 2013
First off... these two are my favorite erotic historical writers, and boy can they steam things up! I really enjoyed these two Christmas stories of love.
In Kane's story we get a reunion of a married couple after he and his best friend had been prisoners of war. Upon their return, feelings have changed and together they celebrate the best gift of all... love. This one left me wanting so much more, but it was a heartwarming story.
Pearce did a great job with a widow who's best friend has returned to pull her out of her self imposed exile to claim what he has always wanted... her. :) Such a sweet and steamy story!
In Kane's story we get a reunion of a married couple after he and his best friend had been prisoners of war. Upon their return, feelings have changed and together they celebrate the best gift of all... love. This one left me wanting so much more, but it was a heartwarming story.
Pearce did a great job with a widow who's best friend has returned to pull her out of her self imposed exile to claim what he has always wanted... her. :) Such a sweet and steamy story!
July 14, 2014
This dualogy features two hot historical erotic romances which are each followed by the authors interviewing each other which was cool.
The first story by Samantha Kane is the beginning of a menage involving m/f/m and hinting at m/m/f. It explored two men coming home after being tortured POWs during the Victorian era, discovering how they felt about each other & the woman they both love.
Second story by Kate Pearce is a second chance romance for a scarred heroine who can't see how the hero can feel more than pity.
Both are scorching hot & nicely plotted, set during the Christmas season for the short stories that they are.
The first story by Samantha Kane is the beginning of a menage involving m/f/m and hinting at m/m/f. It explored two men coming home after being tortured POWs during the Victorian era, discovering how they felt about each other & the woman they both love.
Second story by Kate Pearce is a second chance romance for a scarred heroine who can't see how the hero can feel more than pity.
Both are scorching hot & nicely plotted, set during the Christmas season for the short stories that they are.
September 8, 2014
This book has two stories and two interviews where the two authors interview each other.
The Gift by Samantha Kane
I love this story. The author is very good at describing the desperation, sorrow and love the characters go through. You can see them so clearly that you can feel them in your heart. I wish it would be a little longer.
My Heart’s Desire by Kate Pearce
Caroline thinks she cannot be loved again because of the injuries she got in the accident where her husband died. But Jasper thinks the opposite as he himself loves her.
A very nice story where you can see how love can change the lives of people.
The Gift by Samantha Kane
I love this story. The author is very good at describing the desperation, sorrow and love the characters go through. You can see them so clearly that you can feel them in your heart. I wish it would be a little longer.
My Heart’s Desire by Kate Pearce
Caroline thinks she cannot be loved again because of the injuries she got in the accident where her husband died. But Jasper thinks the opposite as he himself loves her.
A very nice story where you can see how love can change the lives of people.
December 26, 2013
These were two good short stories. The Gift was a really good story about a reunion between Cordelia, Jeremy and Rhys. A Heart's Desire was about Caroline who was injured and hid from everyone. Her good friend, Jasper, showed her what she was missing. These had people who were scarred and people who showed them they saw beyond the scars.
November 9, 2013
I like both stories they were very nice Christmas theme love stories. I love Kate Pearce!
August 17, 2014
This book had two short stories and I enjoyed them both. Quick read but very hot and steamy.
December 22, 2014
Kate Pearce can do no wrong. Little bit more than just a romance. Hot and Spicy! Keeps your attention. Makes ya happy to read.
February 25, 2018
This title contains two stories: thankfully neither has much to do with Christmas other than it being a time for big house parties or gifts. Scarring is resent in both stories. Both authors published with Ellora’s Cave… oh boy. So maybe they’re both scarred now as well?
At the end of each story one author interviews the other. Huh, Kate Pearce writes mysteries as Catherine Lloyd. But the break wasn’t very clearly marked and confused some reviewers. Story two starts at about 59% in.
1. The Gift by Samantha Kane
On Christmas Eve, 1817, Captain Jeremy Highsmith of the Royal Navy and his best friend Lieutenant Rhys Wilkinson return to England after almost a year in captivity. Their bond of friendship grew even stronger as they were tortured while being held for ransom by the Bey of Algiers. All that kept them going was the idea of returning to Jeremy’s wife, Cordelia, the woman they both courted and are both still in love with. But will Cordelia be willing to accept both of them…in her heart and her bed?
For Cordelia Highsmith, the greatest Christmas gift she could ever imagine is the return of her husband and his best friend. But can she accept the even greater gift they offer…the two of them, hers, forever?
***
Ah ha. Here we have a reason for the two men to be more intimate. It makes sense. And if they both dated her, and the lesser ranked one stepped back for her sake THAT makes even more sense.
It works. M/m/f
4 stars
2. My Heart’s Desire by Kate Pearce
After a dreadful disfiguring accident and the loss of her husband, Caroline Lyndhurst has spent the last two years hiding away from society. One man has never forgotten her. Jasper, Lord Mansell is determined not only to see her again, but to persuade her that in the spirit of Christmas, true love can bloom again.
***
[After reading two menage stories in a row, I kept expecting someone else to join them. My issue; I know…]
Caroline is scarred, mentally and physically after her husband’s death but Jasper doesn’t care.
Parlour games: sardines and snap dragon.
Taken to the next level in a wardrobe, and a lesson learnt about being saved to live.
3 stars
***
I never know how to give ratings to boxed sets and compilations… ah 4 stars?
At the end of each story one author interviews the other. Huh, Kate Pearce writes mysteries as Catherine Lloyd. But the break wasn’t very clearly marked and confused some reviewers. Story two starts at about 59% in.
1. The Gift by Samantha Kane
On Christmas Eve, 1817, Captain Jeremy Highsmith of the Royal Navy and his best friend Lieutenant Rhys Wilkinson return to England after almost a year in captivity. Their bond of friendship grew even stronger as they were tortured while being held for ransom by the Bey of Algiers. All that kept them going was the idea of returning to Jeremy’s wife, Cordelia, the woman they both courted and are both still in love with. But will Cordelia be willing to accept both of them…in her heart and her bed?
For Cordelia Highsmith, the greatest Christmas gift she could ever imagine is the return of her husband and his best friend. But can she accept the even greater gift they offer…the two of them, hers, forever?
***
Ah ha. Here we have a reason for the two men to be more intimate. It makes sense. And if they both dated her, and the lesser ranked one stepped back for her sake THAT makes even more sense.
It works. M/m/f
4 stars
2. My Heart’s Desire by Kate Pearce
After a dreadful disfiguring accident and the loss of her husband, Caroline Lyndhurst has spent the last two years hiding away from society. One man has never forgotten her. Jasper, Lord Mansell is determined not only to see her again, but to persuade her that in the spirit of Christmas, true love can bloom again.
***
[After reading two menage stories in a row, I kept expecting someone else to join them. My issue; I know…]
Caroline is scarred, mentally and physically after her husband’s death but Jasper doesn’t care.
Parlour games: sardines and snap dragon.
Taken to the next level in a wardrobe, and a lesson learnt about being saved to live.
3 stars
***
I never know how to give ratings to boxed sets and compilations… ah 4 stars?
January 19, 2021
This free book was actually two short novellas set in the Regency era. The only thing Christmassy about these stories was the season they were set in. There's barely any mention of the holidays, but more about the relationship- and sex (wow!) between the characters.
The Gift, by Samantha Kane, is along the same vein as her Brothers in Arms series. Two soldiers ( naval here) who share love for the same woman (wife to one of them) and through her, discover feelings for one another. It was a shame the story is short because you did want to find out what will happen to the three and how they will cope with their lives together while also dealing with the trauma that both men suffered at the hands of the Algiers. If you like Kane's BIA series, then this is perfect for you.
My Heart's Desire, by Kate Pearce was about a scarred widow who meets an old friend and suitor at a Christmas party for her niece. He had always been in love with her, realized it too late and doesn't want to miss his chance a second time. She is insecure about her body and fears that he sees her as a desperate widow.
The chemistry and the scenes between the characters in both books are well written and don't feel rushed making this book a good quick read.
The Gift, by Samantha Kane, is along the same vein as her Brothers in Arms series. Two soldiers ( naval here) who share love for the same woman (wife to one of them) and through her, discover feelings for one another. It was a shame the story is short because you did want to find out what will happen to the three and how they will cope with their lives together while also dealing with the trauma that both men suffered at the hands of the Algiers. If you like Kane's BIA series, then this is perfect for you.
My Heart's Desire, by Kate Pearce was about a scarred widow who meets an old friend and suitor at a Christmas party for her niece. He had always been in love with her, realized it too late and doesn't want to miss his chance a second time. She is insecure about her body and fears that he sees her as a desperate widow.
The chemistry and the scenes between the characters in both books are well written and don't feel rushed making this book a good quick read.
August 29, 2017
Thoroughly enjoyed this two-novella set. I'm a longtime Kate Pearce fan, but Samantha Kane I hadn't read before, and you can bet I'm going to be one clickety clicking now.
Jeremy, Rhys and Cordelia were SO EFFING HOT together. Wow. Quality menage with all the sexiness and dirty talk you could want.
Then we have Jasper and Caro, with top marks for some cupboard smut and sneaky bedchamber antics while avoiding predatory debs.
Historical erotic romance FTW!
Jeremy, Rhys and Cordelia were SO EFFING HOT together. Wow. Quality menage with all the sexiness and dirty talk you could want.
Then we have Jasper and Caro, with top marks for some cupboard smut and sneaky bedchamber antics while avoiding predatory debs.
Historical erotic romance FTW!
December 4, 2018
This first story was basically one long sex scene with not a lot of back story. Not that I mind those types of stories but, it is what it is. It was okay overall.
The second story was much more sweet with some steam at the end. I liked that one much better.
For free on Kindle Unlimited, not much to complain about.
The second story was much more sweet with some steam at the end. I liked that one much better.
For free on Kindle Unlimited, not much to complain about.
July 24, 2019
Historical Romance Book Club - Covent Garden Romance Across the Ages 2019 - Month of July, Your Choice
The Gift - Its Samantha Kane - nothing more is necessary. LOL
My Heart's Desire by Kate Pearce; new author and one I'll be checking further into. Her writing masterful: genuine, hearty characters, tangible plot line and world development, and true to the historical period.
The Gift - Its Samantha Kane - nothing more is necessary. LOL
My Heart's Desire by Kate Pearce; new author and one I'll be checking further into. Her writing masterful: genuine, hearty characters, tangible plot line and world development, and true to the historical period.
March 10, 2018
Fun quick reads
Both of the stories in this book are fun, quick reads; historical romance with a little spice thrown into the mix.
Both of the stories in this book are fun, quick reads; historical romance with a little spice thrown into the mix.
December 20, 2018
Very short and rather sweet, though very steamy.
July 10, 2019
Only read the second story
First story about a three some I only read one chapter, not for me,three chapter second story was just okay.
First story about a three some I only read one chapter, not for me,three chapter second story was just okay.
December 24, 2019
Two Fantastic Short Sexy Stories
Been on a streak of sexy historical romances but hadn't yet read anything by these authors, so this duo was a fortuitous find.
Been on a streak of sexy historical romances but hadn't yet read anything by these authors, so this duo was a fortuitous find.
October 3, 2020
3 Stars for My Heart's Desire by Kate Pearce (I didn't read second story)
December 18, 2020
Too short but loved both stories. Kate Pearce is a favorite of mine.
January 6, 2021
Short and steamy. I think my first read by both authors and I'd like to read more by boyh.
October 26, 2022
Really enjoyed the Samantha kane story!
March 27, 2023
Great sexy book..recommend
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews