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Rose of Anzio #3
Desire
“We have so much ahead of us, Tessa. What we have ahead is this sea. It’ll be the same sea we’re looking at now, vast and beautiful. It’s already here, waiting for us. It won’t change. The war can’t take it away.”
The third book of the Rose of Anzio series, this sequel to Jalousie is a love story that blossomed in the midst of WWII.
Caught in a brutal war of attrition with no end in sight, Lieutenant Anthony Ardley faces the challenges of fighting the enemy and gaining the respect of troops. When their captain embarks on a plan that will lead to their doom, their survival hinges on what choices Anthony will make.
On the Anzio beachhead, Tessa Graham reunites with Anthony and becomes an army nurse, but finds herself in direct line of enemy fire. While under siege, she meets the handsome, charismatic Jesse Garland, the medic from New York with a hidden past who harbors a secret admiration for her. Their encounter leads him to question everything about his life. Will their growing bond become more than she can handle?
This continuing saga traces the history of the Battle of Anzio, one of the most heroic and least recognized stories in WWII history. It follows the U.S. Army Third Division as they fight through Southern Italy and beyond.
The third book of the Rose of Anzio series, this sequel to Jalousie is a love story that blossomed in the midst of WWII.
Caught in a brutal war of attrition with no end in sight, Lieutenant Anthony Ardley faces the challenges of fighting the enemy and gaining the respect of troops. When their captain embarks on a plan that will lead to their doom, their survival hinges on what choices Anthony will make.
On the Anzio beachhead, Tessa Graham reunites with Anthony and becomes an army nurse, but finds herself in direct line of enemy fire. While under siege, she meets the handsome, charismatic Jesse Garland, the medic from New York with a hidden past who harbors a secret admiration for her. Their encounter leads him to question everything about his life. Will their growing bond become more than she can handle?
This continuing saga traces the history of the Battle of Anzio, one of the most heroic and least recognized stories in WWII history. It follows the U.S. Army Third Division as they fight through Southern Italy and beyond.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2020
293 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 30, 2016
Sadly, in my opinion this was not as good as the first two books. The narration was choppier, with a lot of telling and little showing, and many battles (of the bloody and the emotional kind) were butchered and summarized rather than to actually immerse the reader into the scene.
Also, every character in this book seems to view the war like a walk in the park, taking military action and dying soldiers less seriously then they had in Book 1, where the war hadn't even begun for these characters yet! Add to that some inconsistent characterization and dialogue that has seen better days, this simply didn't match my expectations. I hope that the next book, which is the last in the series and which I already bought, will make up for these shortcomings.
Also, every character in this book seems to view the war like a walk in the park, taking military action and dying soldiers less seriously then they had in Book 1, where the war hadn't even begun for these characters yet! Add to that some inconsistent characterization and dialogue that has seen better days, this simply didn't match my expectations. I hope that the next book, which is the last in the series and which I already bought, will make up for these shortcomings.
August 9, 2016
It’s January 1944 and the Battle of Anzio is in full swing. The Americans of the U.S. Army Third Division are having a very rough time. Anthony is out in the field for weeks on end. Tessa is at the field hospital. She also finds herself in direct line of enemy fire. No one is safe from the German bombs, not even the hospital or medical ships.
The medic, Jesse Gardner, plays a bigger part in this story. He and Tessa spend more time together in this story. His attraction for Tessa, first seen in the second book, has turned into something more. Jesse’s unrequited love for her is heart-breaking, but Tessa’s friendship seems to be changing the way Jesse looks at life.
Anthony is in great turmoil. He is still trying to gain respect of his troops while trying to keep them as safe as possible. This is made more difficult with his captain making ill-advised choices that lead to large casualties. At one point Anthony has to make a decision, to follow the captain’s orders --which will cause major loss of life-- or do what is best for the soldiers, regardless of what happens to his army career.
In this book we get to see the internal struggles of the characters, particularly Jesse and Anthony. We also see the horrors and difficulties facing the nurses and personnel on the beachhead. Alexa Kang does an amazing job describing the hellish conditions of war on the battlefield.
Secondary characters from the previous book are also in this one. Tessa’s friend and fellow nurse, Gracie is wooed by Jesse. Despite their affection for one another, Dr. Haley and Ellie have not made their feelings known to one another, in large part to Fran Milton’s interference. I’m hoping for a happy ending for these two.
Alexa Kang is a born story-teller. I have read all three books and I think this is the best one yet. I’ve also learned so much about the Battle of Anzio from this book. I am invested in the characters and I can’t wait to read the conclusion of this series.
The medic, Jesse Gardner, plays a bigger part in this story. He and Tessa spend more time together in this story. His attraction for Tessa, first seen in the second book, has turned into something more. Jesse’s unrequited love for her is heart-breaking, but Tessa’s friendship seems to be changing the way Jesse looks at life.
Anthony is in great turmoil. He is still trying to gain respect of his troops while trying to keep them as safe as possible. This is made more difficult with his captain making ill-advised choices that lead to large casualties. At one point Anthony has to make a decision, to follow the captain’s orders --which will cause major loss of life-- or do what is best for the soldiers, regardless of what happens to his army career.
In this book we get to see the internal struggles of the characters, particularly Jesse and Anthony. We also see the horrors and difficulties facing the nurses and personnel on the beachhead. Alexa Kang does an amazing job describing the hellish conditions of war on the battlefield.
Secondary characters from the previous book are also in this one. Tessa’s friend and fellow nurse, Gracie is wooed by Jesse. Despite their affection for one another, Dr. Haley and Ellie have not made their feelings known to one another, in large part to Fran Milton’s interference. I’m hoping for a happy ending for these two.
Alexa Kang is a born story-teller. I have read all three books and I think this is the best one yet. I’ve also learned so much about the Battle of Anzio from this book. I am invested in the characters and I can’t wait to read the conclusion of this series.
May 10, 2020
After fierce fighting in Italy, Lieutenant Anthony Ardley feels caught in a brutal war of attrition with no end in sight. He faces the challenges of fighting the enemy and gaining the respect of his troops. When their Captain embarks on an insane vengeance plan that'll lead to their doom, their survival hinges on what choices Anthony will make. On the Anzio beachhead, Tessa Graham reunites with Anthony and becomes an army nurse, but finds herself in direct line of enemy fire. While under siege, she gets better acquainted with charismatic and attractive New Yorker con man turned medic, Jesse Garland, who harbours a secret admiration for her. Jesse's encounter with Tessa leads him to question everything about his life. Will their growing bond become more than she can handle? The Battle of Monte Cassino was a costly series of 4 assaults by the Allies against the Winter Line in Italy held by the Axis forces during the Italian campaign of WW2. The intention was a breakthrough to Rome. At the beginning of 1944, the western half of the Winter Line was being anchored by Germans holding the Rapidogari, Liri and Garigliano valleys and some of the surrounding peaks and ridges. Together, these features formed the Gustav Line. Monte Cassino, a historic hilltop abbey, dominated the nearby town of Cassino and the entrances to the Liri and Rapido valleys. However, there were repeated pinpoint artillery attacks on Allied assault troops. And the Germans outnumbered them, and the Germans also shelled Allied hospitals. Then there was the Battle of Anzio that lasted from January 1944 to the day before D-Day ending with Rome's capture. It was an Allied amphibious landing known as Operation Shingle. The operation was opposed by German forces in the area of Anzio and Nettuno. The intention of the VI Corps was to outflank German forces at the Winter Line and enable attack on Rome, but they didn't factor in the element of surprise and kept delaying. In late May the Allies gained progress and turned towards Rome and captured the city on June 4th.
March 16, 2018
Great third book in the series as it continues. I love the characters and hated when they are separated. Love to see that they are all such great friends. Beautiful story line set in WWII. Loved this series, every book in it. This book follows the same characters as they follow their assigned duties . Tessa and Anthony are together again in this book but war fights on. Jessie is introduced in this book and is probably my favorite character so far. These young people fight, love and see so much. It is truly inspirational how they deal with it all. Would definitely recommend this book and the series.
March 20, 2019
Truly great series!!!
Wow! I could feel the bombs dropping and the terror! Great writing! I felt like I was there in 1944 Italy with the American GI' s and the medical corps.
The devastating losses and frequent casualties are so vividly written here! The daily lives of the many characters here are solidly described and I felt so emotional as I read on.
A definite recommendation to readers of historical fiction and romance!!!
Wow! I could feel the bombs dropping and the terror! Great writing! I felt like I was there in 1944 Italy with the American GI' s and the medical corps.
The devastating losses and frequent casualties are so vividly written here! The daily lives of the many characters here are solidly described and I felt so emotional as I read on.
A definite recommendation to readers of historical fiction and romance!!!
March 18, 2020
This is the continuing story of Tessa and Anthony who are now overseas during World War 2. This volume has more attention to the military movements which made it a slightly slower read for me - but still excellent.
It is very hard to say much about this without spoilers . I am anxious to read the fourth volume and see how everything turns out.
It is very hard to say much about this without spoilers . I am anxious to read the fourth volume and see how everything turns out.
June 7, 2020
Great Read! Ms Kang did it again!
I have read many books by Alexa and enjoyed all of them. Desire is a continuation of the love story of Tessa and Anthony.
I am planning to read the 4th book in the series with anticipation!
I have read many books by Alexa and enjoyed all of them. Desire is a continuation of the love story of Tessa and Anthony.
I am planning to read the 4th book in the series with anticipation!
December 15, 2021
The Love of Anthony & Tessa
I really care about these two people who are so much in love but are separated by war most of the time. This is beautifully written and I hope it has a happy ending. Colorado Jim’s wife, Glenna.
I really care about these two people who are so much in love but are separated by war most of the time. This is beautifully written and I hope it has a happy ending. Colorado Jim’s wife, Glenna.
February 28, 2018
Full review posted at:
http://www.momkatreads.com/2018/02/ro...
http://www.momkatreads.com/2018/02/ro...
May 18, 2020
Intriguing Story
A Great Story but frustrating because this is the third book in this series, will the two main characters
Make it through the war and end up being together?
A Great Story but frustrating because this is the third book in this series, will the two main characters
Make it through the war and end up being together?
August 28, 2020
Some very realistic battle scenes. Gruesome.
March 15, 2022
Third book in the Rose of Anzio series. The battle to take Italy continues as both Tessa and Anthony face hardships. Their love for each other continues to grow
April 22, 2017
Couldn't Put It Down
This book is many things. It is a glimpse at a military campaign in Italy with which I was not familiar until I read this book. New names, and the challenges of both soldiers involved and the medical personnel kept busy by the myriad of casualties made this chapter in World War Two history come alive for me.
Then there was the situation of a fairly new lieutenant, Anthony Ardley, what most battle hardened soldiers considered a 90 day wonder, who finds himself leading men after the loss of his mentor and example. How can he gain the trust of his men? How can he protect them from the decisions of those who are in authority over them who have their own private agendas that they put ahead of the most effective battle plan operations and the safety of their men ? I love how the author presented this scenario (one I'm sure has always existed and exists even today more often than we would like to consider ) , and how she had her hero resolve the issue.
Then there is the love triangle. I am in love with Anthony myself, so it does not surprise me that Tessa is, also. In addition, Tessa is serious minded, not your usual flirty girl trying to attract the attention of the men around her . Not only are Tessa and Anthony in love, but a man who has always been able to attract women and charm them into giving him what he wants in exchange for him convincing them they are irresistible fines for the first time he is in love. Jessie is a guy I love to hate, but almost feel sorry for . Great how this part of the story is written .
The worst part of this book? It is part of an epic – a four part series. The story of the three main characters continue in the next and final book.
This book is many things. It is a glimpse at a military campaign in Italy with which I was not familiar until I read this book. New names, and the challenges of both soldiers involved and the medical personnel kept busy by the myriad of casualties made this chapter in World War Two history come alive for me.
Then there was the situation of a fairly new lieutenant, Anthony Ardley, what most battle hardened soldiers considered a 90 day wonder, who finds himself leading men after the loss of his mentor and example. How can he gain the trust of his men? How can he protect them from the decisions of those who are in authority over them who have their own private agendas that they put ahead of the most effective battle plan operations and the safety of their men ? I love how the author presented this scenario (one I'm sure has always existed and exists even today more often than we would like to consider ) , and how she had her hero resolve the issue.
Then there is the love triangle. I am in love with Anthony myself, so it does not surprise me that Tessa is, also. In addition, Tessa is serious minded, not your usual flirty girl trying to attract the attention of the men around her . Not only are Tessa and Anthony in love, but a man who has always been able to attract women and charm them into giving him what he wants in exchange for him convincing them they are irresistible fines for the first time he is in love. Jessie is a guy I love to hate, but almost feel sorry for . Great how this part of the story is written .
The worst part of this book? It is part of an epic – a four part series. The story of the three main characters continue in the next and final book.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews