Dominick Mercer, Marquess of Ellsworth, leads a double life. In public, he’s one of the most respected peers in England. But in private, he’s notorious Italian painter Domenico Vincenzo, a man known as well for his scandalous lifestyle as his visionary paintings. He’s determined to paint a masterpiece and put his real name on it, thus freeing him from this dual existence that’s becoming difficult to maintain. The problem? His model is the most unusual woman he’s ever met and the only one fit for his masterpiece. And she’s keeping secrets of her own…
Eve Winslow is determined to live life to its fullest by bouncing from one madcap escapade to another. So when a misunderstanding brings her to Vincenzo’s studio, she simply cannot refuse the adventure of being his model, or his rakish charms. Soon Eve’s adventure turns into scandal, and the only person who can save her is the same man who causes her downfall—a man who refuses to put anything before his art, including love.
I fell in love with historical romances and all things Regency—and especially all those dashing Regency heroes—while living in England, where I spent most of my time studying the Romantic poets, reading Jane Austen, and getting lost all over the English countryside.
When I read my first Regency romance in 2012, I was hooked and longed to create my own independent and spirited heroines and dashing heroes. The best part of writing historical romances is falling into history—to live in the world of Regency England through my characters, with dazzling balls, beautiful dresses, and gorgeous houses that I would otherwise never be able to experience. I love the period’s rich history and find that all those rules of etiquette and propriety can be worked to the heroine’s advantage…if she’s daring enough to seize her dreams.
In addition to earning my degrees in the U.S., I have studied theatre in London, Mexican history in Guadalajara, and Spanish in Ecuador. I am an avid traveler and have enjoyed visiting schools and volunteering with children's organizations in Peru, Ecuador, Thailand, and Mexico, and I have amassed thousands of photos I unleash on unsuspecting friends who dare to ask about my travels.
I love to be outdoors! I've been hiking in Alaska, the Andes, and the Alps, including one week spent dangling off the via ferrata in the Italian Dolomites, and I love whitewater rafting (when I don't fall in!). I earned my pilot’s license at Chicago Midway (To all the controllers in Chicago Center—I greatly apologize for every problem I caused for you and Southwest Airlines), and it is my dream to one-day fly in a hot-air balloon over Africa.
I adore all things chocolate, shamelessly dive into ice cream of any flavor, and guzzle Kona coffee by the gallon. A Doctor Who fanatic (everyone says my house is bigger on the inside), I am a terrible cook who hopes to one day use my oven for something other than shoe storage. When I'm not writing, I like to spend my time trying not to kill the innocent rose bushes in my garden.
What a Lord Wants by Anna Harrington is book 5 in the Capturing the Carlisles. This is the story of Evelyn 'Eve' Winslow and Dominick Mercer 'Dom', Marquess of Ellsworth. I have read (and Loved!) the previous books, but feel you can make this a standalone book if you wish to do so. Dom isn't close to his family after they didn't understand his diseire and need to paint. So he left an has become a well known Italian painter Domenico Vincenzo. But then his older brother died leaving him with the family Title. Now he is living two lives looking to merge them with a successful paint that will allow him to use his real name. Eve lost her mother early in life which seems to have her feeling that she needs to get in as much as she can in life in case she dies young too. In addition she is unsettled and can't rest so between the two things she is always skating on the edge of the town's approval. But Eve's family of wealth along with a marriage by her sister into the powerful Carlisle family has kept her borderline. When Eve is sent on a inocent mission to pick up a painting at the Domenico Vincenzo studio it leads to her meeting Dom who thinks she is his model and that she is the one to bring him to his goal of merging his lives. So enjoyed their story! I am crazy about this series and of course the author...a must read.
Series: Capturing the Carlisles #5 Publication Date: 3/8/19 # of Pages: 318
This is another wonderful and unique addition to the .Capturing the Carlisles. series. The writing is excellent, the plot is excellent and I loved the characters. This book features Evelyn (Eve) Winslow who is the sister-in-law of Robert Carlisle (As the Devil Dares) and sister to Mariah, Robert’s wife. We don’t see a lot of the Carlisles in this book and I did miss them – but I loved both Dom and Eve. In Eve’s sister’s book, it was Hellion meets Hellion. In this one it is driven meets driven – and their journey is a fun one to watch.
Eve Winslow has narrowly – by the skin of her teeth – avoided scandal. She’s in a precarious position in society anyway – nobody wants anything to do with her because her father is in trade (and rich as Croesus) but they can’t shun her because her sister has married into the powerful Carlisle family. What was Eve’s scandal – well, if you read her sister’s book, you know – but if you didn’t – she was eloping to Scotland with a real scoundrel, and when he discovered she wasn’t an heiress, he left her at an inn. She had no money, no transportation and she didn’t know a soul. As this book begins, Eve is still being carefully monitored by her sister and her father because she can’t afford any chance of scandal. She is really chafing under that close scrutiny because she is a restless soul and can’t be still for long. Eve has what I would assume is a sort of anxiety disorder. When she was very young, her mother died and Eve equated it with sleeping – her mother just went to sleep and didn’t wake up. So, Eve has always been afraid to sleep because she was afraid she wouldn’t wake up. Eve is so fearful that she’ll die young herself that she tries to cram eight lifetimes into one short one.
The Duchess, Robert’s mother, asked Eve to assure that she picked up a painting (by Domenico Vincenzo) that Dominick Mercer, Marquess of Ellsworth, was giving to Robert and Mariah as a wedding present. No problem – that is simple enough. Except, it isn’t. When Eve arrives at the Marquess’ house, things are in turmoil. When Eve tries to ask about the painting, the butler assumes she is a model for Vincenzo (the painter) and sends her to another address. Then, when she arrives at the studio, again – chaos. The artist is in a hot argument with a woman and he also leaps to the conclusion that Eve is there to model (nude) for him.
Dominick had long been estranged from his family because they didn’t understand his need, his drive, his obsession with being a painter. He had left England and moved to Venice to study and paint. His art came first – before everything else – and he had become the famous Italian painter Domenico Vincenzo. Of course, a life of debauchery went along with that name. Then, the worst thing happened. Dominick’s brother died and Dominick was now the Marquess of Ellsworth. Dominick packed up and moved back to England to perform his duties, but he couldn’t give up his painting, so he started leading a double-life. In one life, he was a staid, much-respected Marquess and in the other, he was a driven painter. Too bad those two lives are about to collide.
Dom is mesmerized by the model that has just shown up at his studio and he just knows that she is perfect for his masterpiece. When she tries to tell him she’s not an actress or model, he doesn’t listen and just overtalks her right into the studio. Eve is chagrined at first, then intrigued and thinks this could be an adventure – just what she’s been looking for.
Dom and Eve are thrown together almost daily and grow closer and closer – until Dom is afraid she is getting too close. He must keep her at a distance because his art must come first. Add in a vindictive former model who wants more from Dom and a revenge-seeking former ‘betrothed’ of Eve and you have a rollercoaster of a ride.
I thoroughly enjoyed this read – and it even had a lovely epilogue. I would have liked to see just a bit more in the epilogue though. It would have been nice to see that Dominick James Mercer’s paintings became some of the most sought-after in England and the continent and far exceeded Domenico Vincenzo’s. Still -- the epilogue was sweet and lovely!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Dominick Mercer is sick of leading a double life as both the Marquess of Ellsworth and as notorious Italian painter, Domenico Vincenzo. He's hoping to create a masterpiece under his real name, but things go awry when he mistakes Miss Evelyn Winslow as his newest model. Eve should have corrected Dom immediately, but he's intriguing and she's longing for an adventure.
This is the fifth book in the Capturing the Carlisles series. While this book can stand alone, Eve's sister is the heroine in book three and Eve's backstory begins there.
I greatly enjoyed this story! The characters meet quickly and I was swept up right away. Eve is adventurous but impetuous. Dom seems cold at first...he believes his art has to be number one, and that nothing should interfere with his creativity and drive. Their eventual conflict was predictable, but I didn't mind because I connected with them and got emotional butterflies. Love the writing and looking forward to the next book!
In the prologue we get a brief glimpse of the joyous, unhindered Dominick living in Italy as his alter ego, Domenico, perfecting his craft and falling in love. Fast forward ten years later and Dominick is living in London, now Marquess of Ellsworth, taking on unwanted responsibilities after the unexpected death of his brother two years prior. Now that he is the Lord, Dom must hide his true nature, but he hopes by creating his own masterpiece, he can come out to the world as a painter.
Eve, daughter of a wealthy businessman and sister-in-law to a duke’s family, feels trapped by the expectations and obligations of her station. So when the notorious painter Domenico mistakes her for his new model, Eve goes along with the charade. However, when the truth of her work is discovered, more is at stake than ruining her own reputation.
What a Lord Wants is a delightful romp filled with powerful emotions. I enjoyed reading every minute of it! Dom and Eve find within each other, the perfect soulmate. Even before either knows the other’s identity, the pair finds a kinship and are able to share joys and pains together. They grow and learn, apologize and celebrate - they feel. And even after they each discover the true identity of the other, they realize their bond is much more than artist and model. Their friendship and subsequent romance would not have happened had the truth been known from the start.
While the unfolding of events that brings the couple together, tears them apart, and finally back together is a bit predictable, what makes the story special is the genuine emotions poured into their actions and reactions. I was drawn to the pair from the start and loved watching their journey progress.
I really enjoyed What a Lord Wants, with all of its passion and emotions. Eve and Dom are meant to be together, and it takes nearly losing it all until Dom recognizes the truth of life and what truly makes him happy. I loved the focus on developing their relationship and creating/working through the tensions.
This is my 10th book by Anna Harrington. I read book 1 from Secret Life of Scoundrels series back in 2021 but didn't get any more of her books. I read so much that back then I didn't really buy expensive books so I didn't get anymore. Now, If I really like an author, I don't mind spending more for a book and I can wait until Kindle Rewards Double Points day and eventually earn a free book out it.
So I picked her up again in August, 2024 with book 1 of her new series, Dukes of Darkness and loved it. So I went back and got the rest of the Secret Life of Scoundrels series and loved them. So here we are, with another series by her.
I really liked this book a lot. The story was very different. I actually couldn't put it down and would have finished in one day but it was 1:30am so unfortunately had to go to bed. 😃 I liked Dominick and Eve. Great personalities and great couple.
U cijelom serijalu jedina koja je zaslužila malo veću ocjenu. Možda čak i 3.5. Naravno, već viđena špranca koja baš i nije najbolja jer realno, bilo je i boljih. Unatoč tome, nekako mi je baš odgovarala ovako (pre)lagana knjiga. Još jedna i mislim da se više nikada neću osvrnuti na ovaj serijal iako ne znam koji me vrag uopće tjerao da i nastavljam nakon drugog dijela.
4.5 Stars Dominick Mercer, Marquess of Ellsworth, leads a double life. In public, he’s one of the most respected peers in England. But in private, he’s notorious Italian painter Domenico Vincenzo, a man known as well for his scandalous lifestyle as his paintings. He’s determined to paint a masterpiece and put his real name on it, thus freeing him from this dual existence that’s becoming difficult to maintain. His latest model is the most unusual woman he’s ever met and the only one fit for his masterpiece. Eve Winslow is determined to live life to its fullest by bouncing from one madcap escapade to another. So when a misunderstanding brings her to Vincenzo’s studio, she simply cannot refuse the adventure of being his model, or his rakish charms. Another captivating read I love the Carlisles & their friends. Dom lives for his painting & is hugely talented, he doesn’t like living a dual life & yearns to be recognised for himself. Eve is a strong woman & wants to find the lover her sister Mariah has found. Together they are delightful & so right for each other. My respect grew for Eve when she laid down her ultimatum for Dom. Dom’s enlightenment was lovely. A well written engrossing read that I read in one sitting on a long train journey & it made the journey fly by My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
I received an ARC of this book to read in exchange for a fair review. What A Lord Wants is the 5th book in Anna Harrington’s delightful Capturing The Carlisles Series. This book could be read as a stand-alone but I have enjoyed reading the series and do recommend it. Dominick Mercer, Marquess of Ellsworth has always wanted to be an artist, and he spent a number of years in Italy studying art, painting and earning a wild reputation under the name of Domenico Vincenzo. The death of his estranged older brother has meant returning to England and assuming the responsibilities of the title he has now inherited. Evelyn Winslow meets Dominick at his studio as his alter ego and he mistakenly believes she is the new model he hired. Eve feeling lost and out of place after a failed elopement seizes the opportunity to have an adventure and agrees to pose for him while hiding her identity. Of course the ton is a very small world and it’s only a matter of time before their two worlds collide. Medium Steam. Publishing Date March 9, 2019 #WhatALordWants #NYLAPublishing #AnnaHarrington
A great addition to the Carlisle series. I've read them all, but not necessary (nice to see a few recurring characters, though). Dominick, is a very talented artist. Unfortunately he has been convinced that he cannot be an artist and have love as well. Evelyn Winslow is a woman who knows how to live life to the fullest. Unfortunately because of a secret scandal, her family is keeping her a veritable prisoner. A misunderstanding brings them together, and the rest, as they say, is history. A very passionate history. We also get a very interesting in depth look at the psyche of a creative person. Very enjoyable read - highly recommend.
What A Lord Wants, book five in Anna Harrington's Capturing the Carlisles series, was a well-designed romance that will engage readers from the start!
Being held accountable under the harsh scrutiny of polite society Dominick Mercer, Marquess of Ellsworth and shipping heiress Eve Winslow lived double lives. One where they complied with propriety and the other where they stretched the boundaries of living and risked losing favor in the eyes of the people who dictated their social standing. What A Lord Wants was a story of dreaming big and the struggle to not dream big enough for fear of losing what the leads held dear.
As his secret alias, Domenico Vincenzo, Dom was able to freely explore his creativity and love of painting without the heavy mantle of his responsibilities as the Marquess of Ellsworth burdening him. Keeping himself closed off from any real connection, other then his art, was how Dom approached life until he met Eve and then the once appealing possibilities of an empty canvas seemed less desirable when faced with empty arms and a lonely heart. Eve knew how important living life to its fullest was from the experience of losing her mother at a young age, yet every time she grasped at feeling alive she was roughly reminded that her place in the world was that of a compliant woman. The meeting of Dom and Eve opened their eyes to the potential of what their lives could be if they risked exposing their hearts to each other.
Ms. Harrington did a fine job of building a slow simmer to a boil in guiding this couple to finding complete happiness. In her usual manner this author brought a wide scope of historical and emotional perspective that gave her audience the feeling of being authentically involved in her story when reading her work. The agony the hero and heroine grappled with as they fought with their desires was depicted well.
Like the bold brush strokes of the artist portrayed by Anna Harrington in What A Lord Wants she applied her pen in a similar manner, bringing history and romance to readers in just the right light!
*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own. * *While part of a series this book can be read as a stand alone.*
I love art and this was a wonderful story revolving around it. The talk of paint smells, brush strokes and the process of creating a masterpiece is well written. I could smell the thinner and the paints and remember the angst of trying to put idea to paper or canvas. The scenes of creation were fabulous and really drew me in and held me captive.
Dominick Mercer, Marquess of Ellsworth, would rather be entrenched in a villa in Italy, but he is stuck in England having to keep up appearances for the aristocracy and he is miserable. He was the second son, the black sheep of the family and was content to be left to himself. He is passionate, creative, and stubborn. He has managed to bury his heart so deep inside himself that he has completely forgotten that he has one and what it is for.
Evelyn Winslow is the daughter of a shipping magnate and while the world sees her as the heiress to the shipping empire, her father holds very strict ideas about dowries and his empire. I admire his ideas and devotion to his daughters and what they deserve from the men that offer for them. She was eight when her mother passed and that led her to refuse to be a simpering miss happy with needlework and playing the pianoforte. She was always looking for adventure and that rush of adrenaline that telling her she was alive.
While I understand this was Eve and Dominick’s story, more interactions with her sister and her new in-laws, the Carlisles and her sponsor for the season, the Duchess of Trent would have been nice. I missed them. I was a bit surprised that Eve was able to pull the wool over so many people’s eyes with very little effort, considering she had a bit of a scandal in her near past.
Watching Eve and Dom grow into their HEA was delightful. The courage of Eve to show up day after day to be there for Dom was amazing. Dom’s total blindness to the MANY signs and signals that Eve out was amazing, talk about immersed in your craft. Eve’s sassiness and humor were wonderful and kept Dom on his toes. Dominick’s two grand gestures made were romantic and had me cheering out loud.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was a heartwarming story of mistaken identity, fear, blackmail and eventually love. Dominick Mercer, Marquess of Ellsworth, had studied Art in Italy. He had to have it to live. His brother died two years ago and the title passed to him. He really didn't want it, there was a definite conflict to his art and being a peer. So he was living a double life and concerned someone might find out and he would be forced to give up his art. Evelyn Winslow is a sweet girl but has one major flaw, she can not stop moving. It does not matter where she is, she must move. There had been a small scandal and she was pretty much confined to the house. Her father is a shipping magnate and has a very large company, needless to say, she wants for nothing. She had been asked by Lady Trent to pick up a painting from Mercer House and bring it back. It is to be a wedding present for her sister. She goes there and men are carrying out wrapped paintings. She yells over them to the butler and tries to tell him why she is here. He gets even more upset and gives her an address in Chelsea. There are some surprises left and it is exciting as you read to see what happens next. The tale was wonderfully written and the characters are engaging, fun, and caring but also there is pain. The descriptions and dialogue are wonderful and aid in your understanding of the novel. I found myself mesmerized by what was happening in the story and did not want to put it down. I highly recommend this book and when you read it, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
I received this ARC from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.
What a Lord Wants Capturing the Carlisles book 5 by Anna Harrington
Once again Anna Harrington takes us on a sensual romp that delves deep in emotions with intricate characters, witty humour and plenty of sizzle!
Dominick Mercer the Marquess of Ellsworth has a secret life that if exposed will send his reputation of a respected peer to one of scandal of mega proportions. Being Domenico Vincenzo allows him to paint with a passion that shocks the ton with his scandalous behaviour as much as his sensual art. Until the unconventional Eve Winslow turns his life upside down! She just might be the one to end his dual existance. And capture his heart!
Eve Winslow has never been one to shy away from adventure, living life to it’s fullest capacity she heads into her new adventure head first. When her scandalous behaviour end in ruin it’s more then her reputation at stake, for she has fallen head over heals in love with Dominick!
A fast paced page turner full of sexual tension and lively characters that capture the reader from the first page! So happy that Eve finally got her HEA she so deserved it! She has such spunk and seems to find herself in some disaster or another, this time landing her in Dominick’s lap.
Anna Harrington has weaved another sensational story! I highly Recomend! This can be read as a stand alone but why miss out on the previous ones, they’re definitely worth reading!
I recieved a complimentary copy from the author. This is my honest unbiased opinion.
Oh, this is another book I could not put down. I loved the story so much and I still have a lot to discover in the series.
We have two amazing main characters, with a story that will leave you wanting more and more. Dominick has a passion. He finds his own peace of mind in painting and it’s all he ever wants to do. Still, in a time when society sees an improper action in very small things, he has to keep his passion a secret. But is his painting proper? Hmm… I’ll let you tell me once you read the story.
Anyhow, Eve lives her life to the fullest, as the blurb says. When she ends up being his model, she is determined to go ahead with the deal, since she is not one to back away from a challenge. She is his spark, the perfect model for what he wants to transmit with his work. They go together so well.
Now, there is a link with the previous books in the series, however this did not affect my enjoyment, but only wanted me to find out more about the other characters. Both Eve and Dominick leave close to a scandal, both have their true selves to hide. I loved how easy they come together and see their relationship evolve.
All in all, this is a great book, with amazing characters. I cannot wait to get my hands on the other books in the series! Anna Harrington is an awesome writer and her style grips the reader’s attention. Loved it, 5 stars!
I love Anna Harrington’s books and I am already to read the next one. I can’t wait. This book was amazing. I really enjoyed the plot and characters. This book is about Dominick Mercer, Marquess of Ellsworth, who lives a double life. In public, he is a respected peers in England. But in private, he’s notorious Italian painter Domenico Vincenzo, a man known for his scandalous lifestyle as his visionary paintings. But he has a problem the model is unusual. Eve Winslow wants to live life to its fullest and a misunderstanding brings her to Vincenzo’s studio, where she becomes the model. I really enjoy the twist this story gave and I hope there will be more books in the series.
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
Another fantastic historical romance by Harrington!! This time we get to follow Evelyn who we met in book three. I was very happy about this as I was hoping she would get her HEA after being jilted by the butt monkey that was not good enough for her. Her life hit lock-down after that and by this book she is ready to break out for something anything. Enter a misunderstanding and she finds herself posing as a model for a famous artist with a huge secret. Very well written and highly involved. Perfect for fans of the genre! I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
Loved the story. I love art, so when this is a subject of a story is very often a win. I liked the pace of the novel and I truly enjoyed the protagonists. The only aspect I have some doubts on is Dominick/Domenico's love for his art and whether or not he truly realised that Eve is indeed first in his heart; becasue the way I perceived it has made me a bit skeptical. Nevertheless, I really liked this story. The italian is not always so on spot, which tends to put me off a bit, (I'm Italian) but I managed to ignore it most of the times.
There was just something off-putting about the way he spoke about her portrait. He wanted to make her both innocent and seductive; at the same time he was vaguely putting down the works by authors (like, literally Goya lmao) who probably portrayed prostitutes and therefore showed the models with tired or disillusioned expressions. So what I'm getting here is... the literal male gaze?
On the other hand, props for acknowleding leg hair, which I don't see much of in historical romance (trying real hard to find things to like about this book).
This is another fantastic story in "Capturing the Carlisles" series but it could read as standalone. Wonderful characters and plots. You will love this story! This is the story of Eve, who loves adventures, and Marquess Ellsworth, a secret painter. An enjoyable read for all!
Wow. If you want to read something different, this one is for you. Our society miss is mistaken for a nude model, by an Italian painter who is an English Earl and you have the makings of an adventure. This is one of the most romantic books I have read in a long time. Even though this book had a lot of seduction in it (this reviewer always skips the sex scenes but still enjoys the story) I felt it was written beautifully. The emotion involved was written with finesse that you could feel. It also had a mystery that you had to wait to see how it would work out. The whole book just had me turning the page. I received this book as an ARC and was more than happy to review it.
Here is another great story by Anna Harrington. This is about Eve, who wants some kind of adventure in her life and Marquess Ellsworth who is secretly the painter Domenico Vincenzo. Neither of them know who the other person really is..but they form a bond and fall in love. The story is so well written and the words flow so nicely, I did not know where the time went. I was so lost in the story. This is an enjoyable read.
4-4.5 Stars!! This is the 5th book in the ‘Capturing the Carlisle‘s’ series! I’ve read one other book in this series(#4) but I really want to read the rest!! This is a really great series & this book was so entertaining, I could hardly put it down! I would have liked to know more in the epilogue though, like what the backlash was with society at the end of the book!? I don’t know a lot about painting but it seemed like the main character, Dom, was a bit fanatic about his painting. I guess that’s just the way artistic people are! Great read! Definitely recommended! *I received this book at no charge from the publisher.*
This had a far more creative plot than the typical Regency, but I didn't find myself as drawn to the characters. It always seemed like more of a strong physical connection between them (though, ironically, the book follows a far conventional arc than the premise would suggest).
Strong plotting and writing that never distracted me, but I never connected to the characters as much. The only secondary character who engaged my interest in the larger series was Hugh Whitby.
This is about Dominick Mercer, Marquess of Ellsworth (who we first met in “How the Earl Entices”) and Miss Evelyn Winslow (who we first met in “As the Devil Dares”).
Dominick is a second son and reluctantly inherited the Marquessate on the death of his brother. Previously, without his family’s approval he'd lived in Italy as an artist - Domenico Vincenzo. Upon inheriting and aware of the family's well-respected legacy he undertakes the duties of a Marquess assiduously- in fact many believe him to be dull and stuffy. However, he has a second secret life -still as Domenico - the successful but notorious and scandalous Italian painter. Eve is very much a wild child intent on living every second of her life as if it is her last, bouncing from one madcap adventure after another.
Through a series of misunderstandings Eve arrives at Domenico’s secret studio in Chelsea - she has no idea that he is also The Marquess of Ellsworth and Dominick mistakenly believes that she is the model he requested. Well, as she is always desperate for a new adventure, she doesn’t correct his misapprehension. What she doesn’t realise is that Dominick is desperate to create a new masterpiece, a nude portrait depicting alluring innocence, that can be exhibited under his own name. He is tired of Domenico, the subterfuge and also of Domenico’s scandalous reputation. When she realises that the portrait is to be a nude study she thinks that she will follow this new exciting adventure and then just disappear from his life when the time comes to disrobe - she has no intention of posing naked for him.
As his model she ‘sits’ for him daily and the pair begin to form a friendship. However, Dominick is single-minded and passionate for his art which must always come first. He is unwilling to form emotional bonds - for fear that to have two passions would encroach on his passion for his art, and thus would end his ability to produce sublime art. This means that he often comes across as self-obsessed and self-centred. Eve, is a happy person anxious to fit a whole life into one day and she is just desperate for Dominick to actually learn to live a little and to grab life with both hands - she has an uphill struggle!
There are a couple of nasty vindictive people to add extra layers to the story; we also catch up with characters from previous books (always a bonus).
I would have liked more from the epilogue - such as...... did Dominick win the art competition and did he shake off Domenico enabling him to exhibit under his own aristocratic name and was he as sucessful as before.
However, I highly recommend this book, in fact I highly recommend the whole “Capturing the Carlisles” series (as well as the prior linked series titled ‘The Secret Life of Scoundrels’). This is a beautifully written tender yet passionate tale, full of the usual misunderstandings and emotional upheavals. Anna's writing is a treasure, effectively placing the tale in the historical setting. The scenes are beautifully set with wonderful descriptions so that one feels that one is within the story - which the flows smoothly from scene to scene - with drama, misunderstandings, suspense, intrigue and passion all thrown into the mix. The characters are well developed and very believable, at the end of the book one is sorry to say goodbye to them.
I was so happy to see Eve get her own happily ever after, especially after her unceremonious dumping at the side of the road! After first meeting her in As The Devil Dares, I had high hopes for her coming into herself and dealing with the abandonments she has faced. Dom gives her so much, but a Winslow naturally would accept nothing less than all of it. Beware below, which may contain spoilers!!!
I admittedly struggled with the first part of the book-- where we find Eve protraying herself as a model and hiding the truth from Dom. Here she is tempting another disaster after so narrowly avoiding one, and I just wanted to reach through the pages and give her a good shake. After all the truth comes out, she seems to skirt by with an appropriate amount of snubbing from the ton, but for all the hellfire of her family she is seemingly unscathed. I'm not all for fire and brimstone, but it felt like her troubles were smoothed over a little quickly.
Overall, it is Dom who saved the book for me. He is two sides of the same coin, and both sides show the same man. Caring, compassionate and passionate. He is a very swoonworthy hero trying desperately to have it all without punishing either his art or his heart. Watching him deal with all the problems before him with dignity without resorting to the alpha (or dare I say Carlisle?) beat-everything-up mentality was refreshing.
I would say this could easily be read as a stand-alone, or even as 'Book 2' in the Winslow family saga after As the Devil Dares. I am happy with the read, and am excited to see what happens next in their world! (Bring on Kit!!!) While I received this book from the author for a review, all the opinion above is my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is the story Dominick James Mercer, Marquess of Ellsworth (also the notorious Italian painter Vincenzo), and Evelyn Winslow, daughter of a wealthy tradesman, is a Hellion Extraordinaire. They meet when she come to his studio to pick up a painting for her sister and brother-in-law and he mistakes her for his new model. Seeing an opportunity for an adventure, Eve agrees to be his model. They spend much time together and begin to fall in love. There are a few tiny minor obstacles in the way of happily ever after. Neither knows who the other really is. Eve is plagued by scandal (an almost elopement). Dom lives with secrets and an obsession to find his muse (maybe he should open his eyes). Throw in a greedy jealous former model/girlfriend bent on blackmail and a vengeful greedy former suitor and you have more adventure than even the Winslow sisters can handle.
This is a beautifully written passionate story. The story line is emotional and complex. The description of the studio, the smell and appearance allows you to see it as Dom does and understand his fascination with his work right along with Eve. Dom and Eve are perfect for one another. Dom is strong and caring, and Eve needs that. Eve is sweet, adventurous, and unpredictable. Both are determined and stubborn. Mariah and the Carlisles make an appearance. Mariah is supportive and protective of Eve, and the Carlisle family of both of them. Eve’s father Henry is here to offer sage advice on several matters. I have already described the villains, a couple of nasty pieces of work. This is a wonderful story with some drama, a bit of angst, suspense, adventure, and discovery, and romance. I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend this exciting addition in the Capturing the Carlisles series.
What A Lord Wants (book #5) is a fabulous addition to Anna Harrington’s Capturing the Carlisles Series. Evelyn Winslow (Eve) the younger sister of Mariah Winslow Carlisle (As The Devil Dares) feels that she needs adventure or her life will be over. After barely escaping scandal she finds herself trapped in a life she doesn’t want.
When Eve goes to pick up a paining for her sister and brother in law, she finds herself as the new model for famous Italian painter Domenico Vincenzo. At first she hesitates when she finds out she must be nude, but the adventure of it all keeps her life moving forward.
Marquess Dominick Mercer has always hidden his talent of painting from to ton. He paints in secret as Domenico Vincenzo. He eventually wants to have a painting done by himself so he can show the ton what he is truly capable of. Dom continues his search for his muse that will change everything.
When Dom and Eve meet for the first time there is sparks. Throughout the book they both find comfort and passion in one another. Evelyn is his muse and in return Dom frees her spirit and she doesn’t feel alone.
This book has mystery, intrigue, an enemy, friends that come and go, but above all passion for life and love.
Ms. Harrington has done it yet again with this wonderful book. Her characters are multi-dimensional and well developed. I loved reading to see how Dom and Eve’s relationship would unfold through their trials and tribulations. The author took us into the scintillating world of art, which I found most refreshing.
I loved every minute of this book and can’t wait to read the next one! I received a copy from the author at no cost, my review and my opinions are my own.
What a Lord Wants is the latest in Harrington's Capturing the Carlisles series. However, the Carlisles are not the focus of this story and only appear peripherally. Here we have Eve Winslow, sister of Mariah from As the Devil Dares, and Dominick Mercer, the Marquess of Ellsworth. Dom is also actually the "Italian" artist Domenico Vincenzo, a painter of renowned with a wicked reputation, but almost no one knows this. Eve stumbles upon Dom's hidden studio, not realizing Dom is the Marquess, and he mistakes her for an artist model instead of a wealthy heiress of the ton. Eve goes along with the mistake and models for Dom and the story takes off. To be frank, I did not buy this initial set up of hidden artist and mistaken model, but I suspended belief and went with it. As the story unfolded, I did like both Eve and Dom and their chemistry. There is good chemistry between the two and Harrington handles their interactions, including the sexy times, very well. In fact, the slow steam build up of each encounter, is excellent. Eve wants Dom to fall in love with her and works to that end. Dom has to learn that following your muse as an artist, means following your heart, and Eve has his heart. I love getting to a happy ever after with two people who should be together. Eve and Dom are a good expansion of the Carlisle universe. Although this story stands alone perfectly well, I think readers who are new to Harrington should start at the beginning of the series. Frequent readers and fans of Harrington, will be satisfied with this addition.
I received an e-ARC from the publisher. All opinions are my own.