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Dunsaney's Desire
Matthew Hargreve, Duke Dunsenay lives a life of privilege and power. He is a peer of the realm with social standing, money and devilish good looks. What could the envy of fashionable London society be missing in his life? The answer to that question arrives in the form of a mysterious young lady who brings with her a dangerous family secret. Her beauty and intelligence fill in the empty places that the Duke had not even known were dwelling in his heart. Will the Duke be able to unravel the secrets of the mysterious young woman without becoming a casualty of her dark secrets?
376 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 26, 2017
33 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Brianna York
31 books12 followersBrianna York writes engaging and adventurous historical fiction and horse books for children and teens. She is a passionate reader as well as a committed equestrian. She writes complete and engaging characters who will feel like your best friends by the time you get done with each book.
Her equestrian fiction series is called the Tricolor Series and follows the lives of three girls who love horses. Her historical fiction series is called The Dunsaney Saga which follows a pair of siblings and their friends through the trials and tribulations of love and loss. The first book in her new series, the Twelve Palm Ranch Series, is now available as well. Look for releases nearly monthly from her.
She has received praise from readers and reviewers saying that her characters are so real that they feel like people you have actually met. Consistently a five-star author, she is grateful to all of the readers who make each of those reviews possible through their love and support for her work.
Sign up for her newsletter and GET A FREE STORY! copy and paste this link into your browser: http://eepurl.com/df3BIf
Check out her website by copying and pasting this link into your browser: https://www.booksbybriannayork.com/
Her TikTok can be found at https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJs6PEk4
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Her equestrian fiction series is called the Tricolor Series and follows the lives of three girls who love horses. Her historical fiction series is called The Dunsaney Saga which follows a pair of siblings and their friends through the trials and tribulations of love and loss. The first book in her new series, the Twelve Palm Ranch Series, is now available as well. Look for releases nearly monthly from her.
She has received praise from readers and reviewers saying that her characters are so real that they feel like people you have actually met. Consistently a five-star author, she is grateful to all of the readers who make each of those reviews possible through their love and support for her work.
Sign up for her newsletter and GET A FREE STORY! copy and paste this link into your browser: http://eepurl.com/df3BIf
Check out her website by copying and pasting this link into your browser: https://www.booksbybriannayork.com/
Her TikTok can be found at https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJs6PEk4
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 16, 2017
This is a lovely well written story. I loved all the characters, especially Alex and Tess, who both had a good spirit, even though they were supposed t be dutiful women. A great romance story that kept me hooked all through the story. I recommend it to lovers of historical romance.
March 4, 2018
This was my first Regency Romance and it was a fun read. Well drawn characters and a plot that easily held my interest. Not just a romance, there was intrigue as well, including a dastardly villain.
Having two couples fall in love, rather than one, adds depth to the story. Each of the four main characters has a distinct, interesting personality. Even the horses have personalities.
Jilted in love, the handsome Duke of Dunsaney Matthew Hargreve falls for a young woman he knows nothing about. Her brother is an unpleasant sort who gets more unpleasant as the story unfolds. The Duke’s sister, Alexandra, realizes she’s fallen in love with one of Matthew’s friends. But sinister obstacles lie in wait.
Recommended for fans of sweet Regency Romance, or readers like me who want to give the genre a try.
Having two couples fall in love, rather than one, adds depth to the story. Each of the four main characters has a distinct, interesting personality. Even the horses have personalities.
Jilted in love, the handsome Duke of Dunsaney Matthew Hargreve falls for a young woman he knows nothing about. Her brother is an unpleasant sort who gets more unpleasant as the story unfolds. The Duke’s sister, Alexandra, realizes she’s fallen in love with one of Matthew’s friends. But sinister obstacles lie in wait.
Recommended for fans of sweet Regency Romance, or readers like me who want to give the genre a try.
January 17, 2018
The main character, Matthew Hargreve, enjoys his life as a rich, eligible bachelor and has no intentions of changing his lifestyle until he meets a girl by the name of Tess at one of his parties. Coming from poverty and pushed by her brother to seek out the Duke, Tess’ intentions for Matthew are questionable.
This was a strongly written book in the second half of the piece but at first, I had a bit of trouble getting into it. The descriptions throughout the book, however, were wonderful and were written in such a way that it made it easy to picture the scenery. It’s clear the author did her research and crafted strong characters that fit the time.
This was a strongly written book in the second half of the piece but at first, I had a bit of trouble getting into it. The descriptions throughout the book, however, were wonderful and were written in such a way that it made it easy to picture the scenery. It’s clear the author did her research and crafted strong characters that fit the time.
April 15, 2018
Dunsaney's Desire is a classic tale of revenge, betrayal and love.
The first half of the book is a bit slow, but it does bring the reader back in time to classic British literature, so perhaps the author intended the story to be a bit drawn out.
My favorite character, by far, was Matthew’s mother Emmeline. The emotion and connection to these characters really spilled out once she arrived on scene. Emmeline clearly decides a person's worth by their rank in society. She's dreadfully fake and truly a wicked stepmother to Alex. Not only did she play favoritism to her youngest son Julian, but she created such a wedge between Matthew and Alex that he seems to be in an entirely separate class than them. His yearning to be a part of the family bleeds through the pages and touched my heart. I felt so sad for him. I was also a bit sad when both Emmaline and Julian sort of simmered out until they no longer became a part of the story at all. I really would have enjoyed seeing more of them. Maybe even a reconciliation between the family.
The first half of the book is a bit slow, but it does bring the reader back in time to classic British literature, so perhaps the author intended the story to be a bit drawn out.
My favorite character, by far, was Matthew’s mother Emmeline. The emotion and connection to these characters really spilled out once she arrived on scene. Emmeline clearly decides a person's worth by their rank in society. She's dreadfully fake and truly a wicked stepmother to Alex. Not only did she play favoritism to her youngest son Julian, but she created such a wedge between Matthew and Alex that he seems to be in an entirely separate class than them. His yearning to be a part of the family bleeds through the pages and touched my heart. I felt so sad for him. I was also a bit sad when both Emmaline and Julian sort of simmered out until they no longer became a part of the story at all. I really would have enjoyed seeing more of them. Maybe even a reconciliation between the family.
February 25, 2018
This book invites you into the genteel world of four lovers who tempt you to go along with them while they primp and preen for their days as courtly ladies and gentlemen. Get ready to get your craving for tea and crumpets while you get totally immersed in this book dripping with the culture and expectations of men and women of this golden age.
I felt a bit uncomfortable with the relationship of Alexandra and her brother Matthew, who is quite the dandy and superficial, his devotion to his sister is only eclipsed by his bedazzlement of the beauty Tess. Will he see the underlying plot Tess's brother is spinning? Will you? Or will by be blinded by the beauty of the verse and not the substance on the page?
I felt a bit uncomfortable with the relationship of Alexandra and her brother Matthew, who is quite the dandy and superficial, his devotion to his sister is only eclipsed by his bedazzlement of the beauty Tess. Will he see the underlying plot Tess's brother is spinning? Will you? Or will by be blinded by the beauty of the verse and not the substance on the page?
March 11, 2018
Get in a time machine
Immersed in the genteel world of old England. You will feel like you stepped into a time machine...really. With flawless detail the author transports you back to a simpler time...but is it? Love, money, and lies make you realize that maybe it’s not as simple as it seems. Took away one star cause the characters are a bit to perfect... but back then people hid their flaws so I can kind of understand where she was going.
Immersed in the genteel world of old England. You will feel like you stepped into a time machine...really. With flawless detail the author transports you back to a simpler time...but is it? Love, money, and lies make you realize that maybe it’s not as simple as it seems. Took away one star cause the characters are a bit to perfect... but back then people hid their flaws so I can kind of understand where she was going.
February 10, 2018
I do not read historical romance and it took me a while to get into the book.
It was well-written and the romances between Matthew and Tess and Alexandra and Forrest grabbed my attention.
I(t was also a lesson on horses.
It was well-written and the romances between Matthew and Tess and Alexandra and Forrest grabbed my attention.
I(t was also a lesson on horses.
December 3, 2017
Once bitten, twice shy. Matthew Hargreve has sworn to not give his heart to another again. But then he meets, Miss Dartmoor. She captivates his attention like no other, and he begins to imagine a future married to a woman he loves. But things are not what they seem, for Miss Dartmoor has a terrible secret. A secret that could cost Matthew his life.
What a captivating and emotional story. I did enjoy Dunsaney's Desire by Brianna York. The pace, I found was initially a little bit slow, but it soon picked up, and I found myself unable to put this book down. There is more than one love story in this book, and I loved the back and forth between the two couples. I adored Matthew; he is an incredibly well-drawn character. Likewise, Miss Dartmoor is a very brave heroine, who is perfect for Matthew.
There are a lot of twists and turns in this book, and I wasn't too sure what on earth was going to happen next. It was certainly a very compelling read.
Great Book!
4.5 stars
What a captivating and emotional story. I did enjoy Dunsaney's Desire by Brianna York. The pace, I found was initially a little bit slow, but it soon picked up, and I found myself unable to put this book down. There is more than one love story in this book, and I loved the back and forth between the two couples. I adored Matthew; he is an incredibly well-drawn character. Likewise, Miss Dartmoor is a very brave heroine, who is perfect for Matthew.
There are a lot of twists and turns in this book, and I wasn't too sure what on earth was going to happen next. It was certainly a very compelling read.
Great Book!
4.5 stars
February 6, 2018
“Tess thought that one had to be confronted with pure evil to truly be able to believe that it existed.”
A common woe in novels with a full cast of characters is that all but a couple are made of such thin paper that the reader can’t wait to get through their scenes and back to the main affair. The characters in Dunsaney’s Desire are so rich and interesting in their own right, that I quite forgot the main force of the plot and did not regret the diversion at all. It’s been a long time since I’ve read an historical romance, and Dunsaney’s Desire did not disappoint my recollection of the genre. The main love story requires some suspension of disbelief but manages to be entirely satisfying all the same. It’s clear from the text that author Brianna York has thoroughly researched her topic, but all information is dispensed naturally and in keeping with the pace of the story, never as a narrative. And best of all, her delightful characters are an irrepressible and rebellious lot, who are never content to rely on anyone else to rescue them. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
A common woe in novels with a full cast of characters is that all but a couple are made of such thin paper that the reader can’t wait to get through their scenes and back to the main affair. The characters in Dunsaney’s Desire are so rich and interesting in their own right, that I quite forgot the main force of the plot and did not regret the diversion at all. It’s been a long time since I’ve read an historical romance, and Dunsaney’s Desire did not disappoint my recollection of the genre. The main love story requires some suspension of disbelief but manages to be entirely satisfying all the same. It’s clear from the text that author Brianna York has thoroughly researched her topic, but all information is dispensed naturally and in keeping with the pace of the story, never as a narrative. And best of all, her delightful characters are an irrepressible and rebellious lot, who are never content to rely on anyone else to rescue them. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
April 7, 2018
I like to be able to sit down and read a novel in one sitting and I was able to do that with this one. Although it started out a bit slow, things eventually picked up and I found this historical romance to be entertaining and easy to read. The characters were well enough developed to hold my interest and the plot moved along well enough after getting over the initial hump. There were several focuses going on at once. We had the saga of Matthew falling for Tess even though he never intended to, while Alexandra falls for her brother, Matthew's friend, Forrest, which isn't as ideal as one might hope... while Gregory and his dastardly plans are in the mix. There was a bit of hopping with the character's point of view but not enough to deter from the reading enjoyment. It was clear through her descriptions that the author spent some time researching which was a nice plus. All in all, if you're looking for a sweet and light story to take you away for a few hours, this would be a great one to read. Good job
June 16, 2018
A strong novel with captivating characters, a truly evil antagonist, a traitor in the close circle of friends, and appealing heroes and heroines - all the elements that make for a good read. As others have said, the beginning was slow, and the head hopping (frequent point of view changes) was bothersome in places, but the ending was superb, and well-worth working through the beginning to get there. Once I reached the midpoint of the book, I could not put it down. Matthew and Tess's romance, along with Alex and Forrest's, were satisfying and nicely developed. I also enjoyed the secondary characters, the family drama surrounding Matthew's mother, and the interactions between siblings and friends. Rose, the neighbor, was a fun addition to the cast.Descriptions and action scenes are colorful and well-done. I felt like I was there, seeing it all with my own eyes. I don't read historical fiction very often, but I'm glad I got to read Dunsaney's Desire and would happily read a sequel.
June 30, 2018
This is a romance with a charm of the good old days. This is one of those books which you can read on a great Sunday afternoon when you are feeling too lazy to anything else. Has a feel good quality. I have been reading dark romances in a row, so when I picked up this book, it was a pleasant change. The number of characters in this book will keep in you your toes (so to speak). Sometimes I did feel lost as I tried keeping up with both the couples. But at the end of the day with the heightened emotional quotient, it became an up-putdownable book for me. The layers in this story are good. An evil mother, emotional family and the struggle between the two classes of the society, the rich and poor.
I would like to mention something about the cover. I just loved the soothing colors in the cover and while it will not make you guess that this is a Regency novel (who made that rule I have no clue but somehow regency seems like ladies in a gown on the cover) but it's a lovely cover.
I would like to mention something about the cover. I just loved the soothing colors in the cover and while it will not make you guess that this is a Regency novel (who made that rule I have no clue but somehow regency seems like ladies in a gown on the cover) but it's a lovely cover.
March 27, 2018
A interesting read!
GREAT CHARACTERS
A GRIPPING READ!
This was an interesting read!
The story holds mystery, romance and suspense that kept me gussing. I loved the flow and the way the characters interacted.
The story is told by Mathew Hargreve's point of view who is a handsome and rich Duke who enjoys the privileges that come from being wealthy.
Tess Dartmoor whom Mathew meets at a social gathering was my favourite character. She had a lot of depth and mystery to her.
This story as everything you need for that relaxing romance read. A ball for for a princess where Mathew meets Tess and is drawn towards her.
A great and intriguing read, which holds a sweet romance. Really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by this author!
GREAT CHARACTERS
A GRIPPING READ!
This was an interesting read!
The story holds mystery, romance and suspense that kept me gussing. I loved the flow and the way the characters interacted.
The story is told by Mathew Hargreve's point of view who is a handsome and rich Duke who enjoys the privileges that come from being wealthy.
Tess Dartmoor whom Mathew meets at a social gathering was my favourite character. She had a lot of depth and mystery to her.
This story as everything you need for that relaxing romance read. A ball for for a princess where Mathew meets Tess and is drawn towards her.
A great and intriguing read, which holds a sweet romance. Really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by this author!
May 19, 2018
Great historic read!
Although the book starts relatively slow it does pick up later on enough to have me read it in one sitting. The characters are very well developed and the heroes are intriguing. There was also a part of me that preferred some of the secondary chapters more to the main ones and would have probably preferred them as being the main ones. It’s clear the author put a lot of research and keeping details accurate for the historic era the story is set in. I very much enjoyed the descriptions of the settings and scenery. At times the writing was very cinematic which made it easy and vivid to picture in ones mind. Overall I would recommend it to others more as a coming of age historic book rather than a romance.
Although the book starts relatively slow it does pick up later on enough to have me read it in one sitting. The characters are very well developed and the heroes are intriguing. There was also a part of me that preferred some of the secondary chapters more to the main ones and would have probably preferred them as being the main ones. It’s clear the author put a lot of research and keeping details accurate for the historic era the story is set in. I very much enjoyed the descriptions of the settings and scenery. At times the writing was very cinematic which made it easy and vivid to picture in ones mind. Overall I would recommend it to others more as a coming of age historic book rather than a romance.
August 26, 2018
I'm not a big fan of historical romance but Dunsaney's Desire was beautifully written and the attention to detail was perfection. Especially, during those times where social standing and status took precedence over matters of the heart.
Matthew is a Duke who only knows a life of privilege and wealth. So, when the mysterious Tess waltzes in, he's suddenly smitten by her charm and quick wit. Could dark family secrets pull them apart? Or will revenge and betrayal be their ending before they've had a chance to begin?
Out of the gate, there are a lot of side characters to keep track of but once you get them straight, it's an entertaining read. I highly recommend Dunsaney's Desire for all historical and regency romance lovers out there.
Matthew is a Duke who only knows a life of privilege and wealth. So, when the mysterious Tess waltzes in, he's suddenly smitten by her charm and quick wit. Could dark family secrets pull them apart? Or will revenge and betrayal be their ending before they've had a chance to begin?
Out of the gate, there are a lot of side characters to keep track of but once you get them straight, it's an entertaining read. I highly recommend Dunsaney's Desire for all historical and regency romance lovers out there.
December 10, 2017
This story is told from the perspective of Matthew Hargreve, a handsome, powerful Londoner. The richness and detail of his character drew me in from page one. I found him deep and fascinating as beautifully drawn as the setting he inhabited. It’s unusual that I find myself relating to a male lead over the female lead. However, Matthew stole the show.
The descriptive prose made it easy to slip into a time and place I’ve never been. I also found the parts about the horses interesting. The story was a captivating tale of secrets, betrayal, and love beautifully woven together. Fantastic read that I highly recommend. I look forward to reading more by Brianna York.
The descriptive prose made it easy to slip into a time and place I’ve never been. I also found the parts about the horses interesting. The story was a captivating tale of secrets, betrayal, and love beautifully woven together. Fantastic read that I highly recommend. I look forward to reading more by Brianna York.
March 22, 2018
An interesting read for me. As the story progresses, we, as readers, get to know several characters. Although Mathew and Tess are the main characters in this story, I felt that some of the secondary characters were a bit more colorful and interesting. There's a bit of suspense in the story so it keeps the reader engaged. The author did a great job with descriptions and settings. Although the story seemed to jump around with different characters' POV, it still was able to keep my attention. Recommend it to anyone who wants a nice escape in fictional world.
May 18, 2018
Dunsaney’s Desire by Brianna York is a light-hearted romp back to a simpler time. The characters are very well developed and the heroes are likeable. After a somewhat slow start, the Dowager Duchess arrives on the scene and the pace and the tension intensifies. The author’s tale is also a well-researched eye-opener into the lives of the peerage of yesteryear. The romance (and heartache) is believable throughout. I recommend this to lovers of history, horse people, and romance aficionados. They will find plenty to like here.
February 5, 2018
Vivid Regency Romance
Although beginning chapters were a bit slow, Dunsaney’s Desire picks up speed as it progresses toward an exciting conclusion. Throughout its pages author Brianna York consistently uses vivid imagery to transport the reader deep into the Regency period. While shrewd beautiful Tess showers Matthew with her charms, his sister’s budding relationship sprinkles this romantic tale with additional delightful scenes.
Although beginning chapters were a bit slow, Dunsaney’s Desire picks up speed as it progresses toward an exciting conclusion. Throughout its pages author Brianna York consistently uses vivid imagery to transport the reader deep into the Regency period. While shrewd beautiful Tess showers Matthew with her charms, his sister’s budding relationship sprinkles this romantic tale with additional delightful scenes.
February 1, 2018
An enjoyable read.
A beautifully written story about love and revenge that really sucks you in. Not something I would usually have read but the cover grabbed my attention and once I picked it up I really couldn't put it down. Definitely worth a look if you're a fan of a historical romance!
A beautifully written story about love and revenge that really sucks you in. Not something I would usually have read but the cover grabbed my attention and once I picked it up I really couldn't put it down. Definitely worth a look if you're a fan of a historical romance!
April 9, 2018
I don't read a lot pf Regency Romances, but that might change! This tale was a two for one deal. A brother and sister both find their true loves, but not everything is as it seems. There is a villain lurking who has a grudge to settle!
This would be the perfect book to take on vacation and read while lying lazily by the pool or on a beach.
Loved it! 5/5
This would be the perfect book to take on vacation and read while lying lazily by the pool or on a beach.
Loved it! 5/5
November 29, 2017
I am halfway through the book, it is one fine read that I have picked in the recent months. You can visualize everything as you progress through the book. There is a lot of conversation, but that keeps you hooked to it.
April 29, 2018
Regency Romance
I found the book a bit drawn out at the begining but the story was good and the romance was sweet. There is love and betrayal but there are also parts with great humor. A good Regency Romance book, give it a try!!
I found the book a bit drawn out at the begining but the story was good and the romance was sweet. There is love and betrayal but there are also parts with great humor. A good Regency Romance book, give it a try!!
February 25, 2018
This is my very first time reading a historical romance and the description and details made me feel like I was in the story. I enjoyed the journey of love between Matthew and Tess.
April 16, 2018
Dunsaney's Desire
Story of love, jealously, hatred and revenge. Woven together into a nicely paced tale that hits all the marks. I enjoyed it and you will too.
Story of love, jealously, hatred and revenge. Woven together into a nicely paced tale that hits all the marks. I enjoyed it and you will too.
July 27, 2018
Take the day off and snuggle in with this cozy romance and enjoy two parallel love stories. I really enjoyed the book that has all the charm of the old days.
June 8, 2018
The author’s vivid descriptions of the social setting take me right into the era where the aristocrats dance in elegant dresses and extravagant ballrooms. But behind the relaxing daily routines such as horse riding, tea drinking, and piano playing, was the struggle for social status. After revealing a dark intention in the beginning and piquing the readers’ interest, the story goes on in a leisure pace, matching the life style of the characters. The omniscient POV helps in exploring the emotions of the characters, and the evil stepmother brings out the drama. At the end it is quite ironic to see that both Matthew and his sister’s matches are actually made by the villains.
December 22, 2017
A Sweet Regency romance. It has all the elements of a good regency romance: A ball where our hero meets our heroine, lots and lots of riding in the park, a sweet romance that flares up with a dance and a witty conversation, unexpected villains, and sacrifices made for the sake of love. Matthew Hargreve is a wealthy duke who is not looking for a wife, but he can't help but fall for Tess. Tess and her brother wear masks and carry ulterior motives, will Tess follow her brother or her heart? And then, there are wonderful secondary characters, Alex and Forrest whose story is as enticing.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews