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A Desperate Hope
In 1814, a spy meets a wallflower and falls in love in the middle of a dangerous mission, but finds the chance to heal his broken heart. If Ravenscroft can prevent her from shooting him before he explains what's going on.
Cecilia Ruthven is nothing if not pragmatic, but when she discovers her new husband is a perfect, handsome—and lying— stranger, her patience frays.
With their hearts on the line, and Napoleon on the loose, will they find the courage to trust one another?
Cecilia Ruthven is nothing if not pragmatic, but when she discovers her new husband is a perfect, handsome—and lying— stranger, her patience frays.
With their hearts on the line, and Napoleon on the loose, will they find the courage to trust one another?
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 4, 2026
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About the author
Allegra Grey
13 books32 followersA small town Midwestern girl who grew up wanting to write stories, and then did.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
February 7, 2026
4.5 stars
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 4.5/5
Spice: 3/5
MF
Historical Romance
Regency Era
Secret Identity
Friends to Lovers
Best Friend’s Little Sister
Cinnamonroll
Military Hero
Wallflower
Crossover Characters
Age Gap
Widower
A Desperate Hope is book two in the Desperate Desires series. The books can be best enjoyed if read in order.
Lia, at the ripe old age of 23, is about to embark on her final season. She doesn’t require much. She desires a husband who will be kind to her, unlike her father.
The Duke of Ravenscroft has returned from the campaign in France and has decided to take a wife. He is instantly smitten by Cecilia - his best friend’s younger sister. He decides not to approach her during her season as he believes she deserves someone better than himself.
To help them both in the marriage mart, Lia and Hart agree to a pact. They will help each other find a suitable match. This doesn’t quite work out as planned, as both are entranced by the other.
Can the two overcome their past hurts and find a way forward to wedded bliss?
The characters in this were fun and engaging. We got to catch up with favorites from book one as well. Hart and Lia make you root for them and the book a pleasure to read.
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 4.5/5
Spice: 3/5
MF
Historical Romance
Regency Era
Secret Identity
Friends to Lovers
Best Friend’s Little Sister
Cinnamonroll
Military Hero
Wallflower
Crossover Characters
Age Gap
Widower
A Desperate Hope is book two in the Desperate Desires series. The books can be best enjoyed if read in order.
Lia, at the ripe old age of 23, is about to embark on her final season. She doesn’t require much. She desires a husband who will be kind to her, unlike her father.
The Duke of Ravenscroft has returned from the campaign in France and has decided to take a wife. He is instantly smitten by Cecilia - his best friend’s younger sister. He decides not to approach her during her season as he believes she deserves someone better than himself.
To help them both in the marriage mart, Lia and Hart agree to a pact. They will help each other find a suitable match. This doesn’t quite work out as planned, as both are entranced by the other.
Can the two overcome their past hurts and find a way forward to wedded bliss?
The characters in this were fun and engaging. We got to catch up with favorites from book one as well. Hart and Lia make you root for them and the book a pleasure to read.
Displaying 1 of 1 review