A Desire Unbidden

Duty and Desire #1

by Elisabeth Greythorn

He was an officer, a commander, the son of an Earl. She was a child of the French Revolution, taken from her home to serve the British army.

But love doesn’t follow orders.

When Christine Fournier is forced to serve as a camp follower, survival becomes her only goal—until she crosses paths with Acting Lieutenant Colonel George Ashford. Stern, duty-bound, and far above her station, he should have remained indifferent. But war softens rules, and something in her defiance sparks a desire that neither of them can resist.

What begins as reluctant fascination ignites into something raw and volatile—fed by her fearless longing and his silent denial. But when their passion leads to consequences they can’t ignore, George is torn between duty to his family and the woman he cannot forget. Christine must now decide how much of herself she’s willing to give to a man who may never truly be hers.

From the muddy war camps of southern France to the glittering drawing rooms of London, A Desire Unbidden is a sweeping, sensual tale of longing and passion—of love tested by duty, pride, and impossible choices.

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical, Enemies To Lovers, Regency

402 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2025

About the author

I write historical romance that doesn’t flinch. My stories live where war meets longing, where tenderness wrestles power, and love never arrives gently. Expect strong heroines, conflicted men, and heat laced with heartbreak.

A Desire Unbidden is my debut novel. I’m currently working on A Mind of Her Own, the next installment in my loosely connected Regency series. Outside of writing, I lose myself in stories wherever I find them—on stage, on screen, or on the page.

Join my newsletter for access to the extended epilogue of A Desire Unbidden, plus updates and other exclusive content: https://subscribepage.io/greythornpress

Reviews

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read: 10/28/25 -very late review
Setting: Regency England, France
Trope: class difference, baby,
3.5 stars

This story had an unique premise that I really enjoyed. Unfortunately, the H's indecision caused the story to drag on way to long.

Hopefully, a longer rtc!

[Jeri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written book- I read it in one day! Interesting viewpoint. A poor French country girl (Christine) is taken from her home by British soldiers close to the end of the war with France, ~1812, a time in history written about little in Romance novels. We are used to the heroes who fought at and have returned from Waterloo, this book vividly relates the details of the battles.
The second son of an Earl, George Ashworth is expected to marry an heiress, but the flames of desire between him and Christine are literally incandescent! 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Brilliant depictions of the secondary characters. Beautiful style of writing, much historical background which doesn’t feel like you are reading a history book. This is her debut novel. I am very impressed.
I received this book at no charge from BookSirens and the author, but all opinions are my own.

[wolfiebella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written historical romance!!

PSA: the MMC George will get on your nerves

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

We have a peasant farmers two daughters taken as camp followers to service the British soldiers! They had little choice in the matter! Fortunately Christine and her sister were given to the officers as first choice! Christine along with her sister Audette are given to the officers! Christine to Cornel Ashford second son to an Earl! He considers the peasant girl too far beneath him to bed even though he is fiercely attracted to her! Christine has quiet dignity and grace! She will only allow George to treat her with respect! He does protect her from the scorn of the others at first.

When the relationship changes Christine is ashamed at how the other soldiers and officers see her as a stain on George’s reputation and his attitude is not much better!

George values control and has to make harsh decisions and choices but he doesn’t get to treat Christine without dignity yet he does over and over again!

I dislike George so much when he is injured more than once I could not be sad!

When he faces death I think finally he will do the right thing!

He ruins it because of wanting to please his father!

Christine is reborn and respected enough to get offers that would bypass any shame she feels at George indecision!

George is a very selfish man he acts a lot like someone who although is much older has a feeble understanding of Biology!

When Christine with friends on her side and much wealthier as Miss Fournier had enough George acts like someone died!

How much could a beautiful, brave woman take from a jealous coward!

Can these two ever reconcile their differences? Can Christine want to!? She makes a mistake and that is the turning point! Bravo well done!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Clarice]

Dnf 6%
Many negative stars for the AI cover, I would rather have a crappy clip art cover than AI slop. I wanted to give this a go despite the cover. However, the constant switching and confusing POVs along with the MMC who is literally the worst (and not in a sexy morally black way), make this is an immediate dnf. The MMC is totally indifferent to his soldiers rounding up and assaulting a bunch of underage girls as long as they aren’t saying “no” verbally. 🫠🫠🫠 But he says it in such a nonchalant way that it p!ssed me the frick off.

[♥ℳelody]

I'm not claiming anything but feel like *a lot* of covers are now looking like AI art with zero qualms and it's worrisome.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first time reading Elisabeth Greythorn, and I can honestly say I absolutely loved this story! From the very first chapter, I was hooked, and I found myself glued to my Kindle, not wanting to put it down or see it end.

What surprised me most was just how much this story pulled on my emotions—I wasn’t expecting to feel so invested, but I found myself genuinely emotional at times, which made the journey even more powerful.

The characters pulled me right in, the romance was compelling, and the writing kept me invested all the way through.

My only criticism is the ending—it felt a bit too abrupt. There wasn’t much of a build-up to the resolution, and the hero’s redemption/grovel was pretty much non-existent. While there was an epilogue, it was on the shorter side, and I found myself wishing for more closure after everything the characters went through.

[Diane Richmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

This historical book had a rollercoaster of emotions, featuring a powerful love story, aristocratic obligations and the brutality of war. There were elements of the storyline that actually made me cry, and I loved it from start to finish.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

[Cristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25

This could’ve easily been a 5 star-read. The writing style was 👌🏼 but the H… had a hard time with him. He wouldn’t get past the social differences between him and the h.

I couldn’t put this down. Took 2 days to read but totally worth it.

[nur]

Heartbreak after heartbreak. A literal masterpiece. This book broke me, then broke me a little more and at last healed me. I'm not lying when I say that my heart shattered in pieces and scattered all over. Among these pieces and my tears I fought my way through this book.

I adore the way the author writes, the world building was perfect. Everything unfolded in front of my eyes like a movie. There was so much depth to the characters. The war, grief, longing and pain, all felt so real. I must say that the author delivered the emotions so well and beautifully, I felt every single one of them in my bones. My favorite thing about this book however is Christine's character development, her losing and then finding herself, and the way she carries herself. I loved seeing her become surer of herself and not letting others define her. Besides that I loved the way she created a bond between herself, Julia and Margaret. Women supporting women is all I wish for in life. That alone started to mend the creaks in my heart. Now, when I come to speak of George. At first he didn't seem too bad in my eyes and I warmed up to him. Unfortunately that didn't last long until I felt nothing for him but resentment. I know it must be hard to live up to expectations especially at a time like that when titles defined your worth. But like Clarence said George is a 'coward for the bravest man' in the battlefield. It was amazing to see how fearless he made his way through war and it amazed (but mostly angered) me how he couldn't speak up for his love. He disappointed me over and over again. I admire Christine for her belief in him. She truly loves fiercely and in the end she finally got the life she more than deserved.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[benevolent bastard · Rating 4 out of 5]

George was too much of a coward for my liking, how I wished if he had groveled a little more. Christine was just perfect.

[Mary Dallenbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't sure how I would feel about this book or if I would even finish it. I was attracted by the gorgeous cover and the blurb was interesting enough that I thought I'd give it a shot. The way the author brought the main character, Christine, into her love interest's sphere was cringy to read. Honestly, I wasn't sure I could go farther based on the treatment, but I kept reading.

There were few things I found I liked about George, the love interest. At one point, I saw a bit of Darcy in him. But his behavior toward Christine was aggravating. But his awful behavior really showcased Christine's strength.

In the end, I really enjoyed this book. Not so much because of George, I found him rather blah, but watching Christine blossom, overcome, and triumph in the end, on her own terms, that was absolutely worth the read. If I have any criticism, it's that the end went too quickly. The entire book was filled with lovely detail, yet the end seemed rushed. I would have liked to know more about Lady Margret, Clarence, the Earl. But all in all, still a very good read.

If you like historical romance that is spicy with much more grit than most historical romances, I highly recommend this one.

[Mary Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

I liked the story. Loved the cover. Pleased there wasn't any gratuotous violence against women.

Reminded my of the 80s style romances, plenty of passion and then a HEA that initially fails because of the poor character choices of the hero...IMO George was an idiot overly controlled by his father, But then perhaps that's what made him a good soldier obeying instructions.

Christine is a great character. Interested in seeing what happens next with this series.

[Book Lover ❤️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

it has been awhile since I have read a book sooooo good like yours!!!!!

It kept me up all night and I couldn’t stop reading it.

All the heartbreak was incredible!!! I love when books make me feel like this with all the drama and heartbreak. Amazing!!!

Can’t wait to read the next books!

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Difficult Choices . . .

Acting Lieutenant Colonel George Ashford was the son of an Earl. Christine Fournier was a French girl snatched up and removed from her home as a plaything for the British army. When she meets George Ashford, the two of them become attracted to each other. But class status is enormously important in this time period, so Christine cannot possibly become anything more to the titled British officer other than the prostitute (camp follower) they intended her to become. But she may not have any choice available to her in this matter, most especially if she is hoping for a permanent connection to the officer.

The author did a good job in the writing of this book. It made me duly uncomfortable at the fate of the females, but that’s not unexpected. I dislike people being mistreated or forced into these difficult situations under these circumstances, but again, it’s not unexpected. It will certainly keep the readers’ emotions on edge as we hope for one thing and another may occur. Grab your copy and experience what many had to endure and the growth that some experienced as they survived and moved on. Is there a HEA hidden somewhere in the pages?

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part one of this book is everything I despise about the Regency-the military forcing women to be camp followers misogynistic and reprehensible imo. How do they justify a man's needs like that? There were other options than consigning a woman for prostitution. George and his arrogance about class made me want to wretch. The same old tired truth- good enough for bed, but NOT to wed!!!! I enjoy the Regency, but their backwards thinking infuriated me.

Book two is more healing from book one,

but plenty of confrontations between George and Christine She gets a backbone to stand up for herself, and comes into her own. Choices and decisions. Once again George has lessons to learn about himself and women. Is it too late???? I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.

[Courtney Pityer · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a novel that deals with the aftermath of the French revolution then this is the novel for you. It tells a powerful story about love and forgiveness. I for one was very impressed with this novel. Elisabeth Greythorn did a very good job for this being her debut novel.
I received an arc copy from booksirens and all opinions are of my own.

[Nessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A SOLID 3.5 STARS!
LOVED THE IDEA OF THIS STORY. #classdifference
Frankly, I was disappointed by the UNSATISFYING steam we were promised because the characters DESERVED good smut, alongside the angsty romance. I do feel the relationship building was a tad choppy, the flow and pacing a bit off. And what I mean by good smut, is having a kiss written in vivid detail/easing into it. Watching George attacking Christine's lips all the time like a rabid bulldog and ending sex like a two-pump chump....wasn't flattering on his "General" ego or character description.

It's like saying....imagine the hottest celeb male you know and then imagine that he's not a Sex God. Hm...

I'm reading a romance, I WANT to be wooed by words. So yeah, the sex scene was un-titillating.

The heroine was a chef's kiss, going from innocent war captive to a woman who despite her poor background wielded a character like a rose wrapped in thorns - humble yet dignified. I'd say the MCs both fell in love and lust at the same time, only the MMC was a disappointing bag of cowardice with the noose of honor and duty tied around his neck.

This isn't my first HR rodeo, and Dukes are my favourites, so I'm no stranger to characters torn between choosing love or duty. You could say this was a more realistic take on romance, because isn't that what always happens? Someone in the relationship often disappoints because in reality, people aren't motivated or brave enough to TAKE RISKS.

OVERALL this needed a good grovelling from the MMC, it was TOO SHORT And I would have loved to see them spend more time together as a family. NGL, I wish the heroine didn't have body betraying syndrome cause she never denies GEORGE even when they're fighting - feels a bit ick and too doormat-ty at times.

[Ališa Pivk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book a minute ago. And decided I needed to write this review up immediately, while all of the feelings are still fresh in my mind and my heart. And when I say all of the feelings, I mean ALL of the feelings. I don’t remember the last time I have felt so many things while reading a book - peace, because the narrative flows so well. Contentment, because the language is rich and comforting, like a warm blanket on a cold night. Awe, because I could just imagine all of the splendor of the described garments and the decor. Frustration, because at times I wanted to throttle the main characters for being a couple of idiots. Or simply human. Excitement, because I was so looking forward to see where the story will turn next. Hopefulness, because I’m a sucker for happy endings. And anxiety, because I genuinely could not figure out whether or not I will get my happy ending until the very last few pages.

So the last feeling I felt when I finished this book I will keep to myself, in order not to spoil it for anybody.

A word of warning though - when I first started it was a bit hard to really get into the book properly, it just didn’t pull me in immediately. That might have more to do with me and my temporary state of mind than it does with the book itself, though. Just keep in mind, it if happens to you too - keep at it, it will definitely be worth it. After a while I couldn’t put it down. Thank you.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Star-Book Reviewer]

This is the most realistically intense look at the grueling, ugly, devastating, and demeaning effects of war during the Napoleon era on the soldiers, officers and especially on those who became known as camp followers. How does one act when they’ve been deprived of basic needs? How does one act when truly not given a choice? I have no idea how these brave souls endured their struggles but for some the war turned them into people they never thought they would be and it was rarely in a good way. This is not a sweet regency read. It is one that is going to take you through the mud, roll you through the trenches, leave you wounded, scarred and forever changed. You may find yourself despising the actions of the very man that our heroine will fall in love with and find yourself in awe at what he endures in battle and what she endures by him and at the words of others. It is a definite emotional rollercoaster in extremes with characters who are real and raw that travel from the farmland of Southern France to the ballrooms of London, England. It’s the love story of a French farm peasant who is forced to become a camp follower of an acting Lieutenant Colonel, one who starts out with very honorable intentions but soon finds he’s lost all control when it comes to one he claims as his. A gripping romance that had me unwilling to close the book… well except when I wanted to throttle George and reprimand Christine for giving in so easy. This is definitely a book I will long remember.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this book and all I can say is WOW!! I found it on Amazon and read the synopsis and just HAD to read it and I am so incredibly glad I did!! It had me hooked from page one to The End!

This book had it all… love, spice, lots of angst and lots of feels. It had brave friends that really are looking out for you (the MMC George) and aren’t afraid of telling you that you’re being an A*s and strong, smart women and men who appreciate it. I love the author’s use of the authentic historical facts (loved the history notes in the back of the back) throughout the story!

There are characters who redeem themselves (Blackmeer and possibly George’s father). And then there is Gideon who needs to be kicked to the curb! I am hoping that the author will write a story for Julia (George’s sister) and Audette (Christine’s sister) and maybe, if something happens to Gideon, Margaret (she and her daughters deserve much better). Also, the Duke of Morleyne and Lord Harwood need stories too, plleeeaase…

Just a slight trigger warning, there are scenes of war, battle scenes, wounded, dead and dying soldiers so please beware!

I am so excited to have found this author and her stories! As you probably tell, I am a new reader to Ms Greythorn’s stories but I can promise you, I will be awaiting more stories from her in the future!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the first time in a long time, I had a very hard time with a story. My rating doesn't reflect, how I felt reading this book. Here's what I didn't like about it:
Women forced to be camp followers for soldiers of a different country and culture.
George, the main male is an absolutely horrible person. I wanted to shoot him myself throughout the better part of the story. His arrogance, lack of respect and just general demeanor had me furious.
Based on those alone, I would have given it a rating of 2. Then I realized that the author did an exceptional job of presenting the true side of war, soldiers, camp followers and more in such a vividly amazing way that you were supposed to absolutely hate those two aspects. For an author to get a reader to feel intense emotions, good or bad, demonstrations exceptional writing skills and this author has them in spades. So if you like history, can take the grittiness or downside of historical truths, like steam and want to actually feel strong emotions, this is the story for you to read.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly wasn’t prepared for how much this book would get to me. I normally do not read ARCs. I started it thinking I’d just read a few chapters before bed, and suddenly it was 2am and I couldn’t stop. There was something about Christine, her dignity, her pride that really hit me. I just felt for her so much.

George… I had mixed feelings about him at first, but by the end, I understood he was a product of his time. He redeems himself, even right at the end. Their relationship felt messy and real, and that made it even more powerful.

The historical background was there, but it didn’t feel heavy, just enough to remind you how much they were up against. I cried more than once, and I don’t usually cry at books. I didn’t expect to feel this much, but I’m so glad I picked it up.

I received a free advance review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Sonia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and it was impossible for me to put down. It featured a passionate romance between a poor French girl and a British military officer. Once their affair began, the two of them could not get enough of each other. Unfortunately, they were from two different worlds and their chances for a future together looked bleak. George was a fine romantic hero, but had he existed IRL, he would have been a woman's worst nightmare. In contrast, Christine was an absolute paragon. I was sad for both of them and I was concerned that they would not be able to get to their happy ending before the end of the book. As much as I enjoyed reading this book, I took off one star because some of the plot elements didn't make sense to me. I received a free ARC from BookSirens and this is my honest review.

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is by a new author for me which I enjoyed reading. I enjoyed the autho's writing style that made their story pop off the pages. Their attention to details gave the story a realistic feel. This is a historical romance story that I enjoyed reading from beginning to end. This is a story that will show you that when it comes to love you can't control choices and the passion that comes with it. Christine and George are great characters that are strong and add so much to the story. I enjoyed watching their chemistry and growth throughout which had me turning pages fast. Their story is fast paced and hard to put down. A story that you don't want to miss. This is a great historical story and I highly recommend this story.

[Madelyn Cauffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had a lot of difficult choices involved with the main characters. Christine Fournier was a French girl that was forced to be one of the traveling prostitutes for the British army. This is where she encounters Lieutenant Colonel George Ashford, the son of an earl. Due to society expectations at this time, they should not go further with their relationship, but she is determined to have a permanent connection with the officer. The author did a really good time with writing this book because it takes you back to a different time period and it is such an experience to read this book. You experience all of the feels while reading this book.

[Tzippy Sheffi Elgar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I greatly enjoyed A Desire Unbidden by Elisabeth Greythorn. What first attracted me to the book was its beautiful and romantic cover: a handsome British officer in a red coat (I am NOT behaving like Lydia Bennet!). But I was hooked from the first page. I love historical romance, especially those taking place in the Regency period and the Napoleonic Wars, and A Desire Unbidden is an excellent example of them. I loved Christine and George, the main characters, the struggles they go through to be together. They are well-written complex characters. George is fighting his attraction to Christine, because she is a poor farmer's daughter and Christine is well aware of their difference in status. I found the book exciting and thrilling, I enjoyed the turn of the events, the side characters,for example, Julia, George's sister, and the world-building. I am looking forward to read more books by this excellent author!.

[Dyanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful French peasant girl and an officer during the Napoleonic War, I love the idea of this unlikely couple. Anytime a HR makes me cry, it gets 5⭐️ and the heartache for the MFC is so wrenching I had to stop reading a few times. I have been seeking out different types of storylines in HR with different types of characters and this is definitely one of them. I adore Christina and her strength is astounding seeing how George is such an asshole through much of the book. I did think about taking a star off as I just don’t think George had enough of a grovel in the end, but….. the book was just too good to do that.
5🔥 but they are not very descriptive in some cases.

[Jenna Schmidt · Rating 1 out of 5]

Warning - vague spoilers. I don’t normally write reviews, but thought I’d make an exception for this one. The only reason I finished this book was because I was hoping the main character wouldn’t end up with George. I’m sure the author was trying to present a true to the times character, unfortunately she did not make him likeable at all. He is a self centered, morally challenged, chauvinistic misogynist who also couldn’t care less if the men at his command die. Wow what a catch. I would have respected the author more if she went against type and had Christine end up on her own, happy in France, after dodging a life of utter misery with old George. Oh well!

[Ojone Nwosu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this story, I had various emotions running the my mind. Anger at Christine, disgust at most of the decisions that George made. This story however showed the reality of what women go through in times of war. The helplessness, the fear, the courage to do anything to stay alive in a world dominated by men suffering from the things war can do to them. The highlight for me though was both of them finding happiness in the end. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.