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Barrett #1
My Heart's Desire
Length: 11 hrs and 57 mins
Plunging from a well-bred lady to society’s most scandalous outcast, one woman faces danger and romance with a determination to live on her own terms London’s high society assumes that Alexandria Cassell, a lady of impeccable lineage, is eager to wed the first suitable aristocrat who proposes. But Alexandria despises the shallow mindlessness of London society. Craving adventure, she steals down to the docks and stows away aboard a merchant ship bound for Canada. Drake Barrett loves the open seas. As captain of his own vessel, he can escape his life as a duke, where he would be doomed to the empty chatter of glittering ballrooms. But when he finds a delicate beauty aboard ship, he forgets everything but a man’s desires.From a fleeting island paradise to a country caught in the sudden crossfire of war, Drake and Alexandria give in to a passion that just might reveal their true passions - if a shocking act of treachery doesn’t separate them forever. My Heart's Desire is the first book of the Barrett Family series, which concludes with Samantha.
Plunging from a well-bred lady to society’s most scandalous outcast, one woman faces danger and romance with a determination to live on her own terms London’s high society assumes that Alexandria Cassell, a lady of impeccable lineage, is eager to wed the first suitable aristocrat who proposes. But Alexandria despises the shallow mindlessness of London society. Craving adventure, she steals down to the docks and stows away aboard a merchant ship bound for Canada. Drake Barrett loves the open seas. As captain of his own vessel, he can escape his life as a duke, where he would be doomed to the empty chatter of glittering ballrooms. But when he finds a delicate beauty aboard ship, he forgets everything but a man’s desires.From a fleeting island paradise to a country caught in the sudden crossfire of war, Drake and Alexandria give in to a passion that just might reveal their true passions - if a shocking act of treachery doesn’t separate them forever. My Heart's Desire is the first book of the Barrett Family series, which concludes with Samantha.
12 pages, Audible Audio
First published October 1, 1991
24 people are currently reading
310 people want to read
About the author
Andrea Kane
48 books835 followersComing in March 2019 from Andrea Kane: DEAD IN A WEEK.
Andrea Kane is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of twenty-nine novels, including fifteen psychological thrillers and fourteen historical romantic suspense titles. With her signature style, Kane creates unforgettable characters and confronts them with life-threatening danger. As a master of suspense, she weaves them into exciting, carefully-researched stories, pushing them to the edge—and keeping her readers up all night.
Kane’s first contemporary suspense thriller, Run for Your Life, became an instant New York Times bestseller. She followed with a string of bestselling psychological thrillers including No Way Out, Twisted, and Drawn in Blood.
Her latest in the highly successful Forensic Instincts series, Dead in a Week, adds the Zermatt Group into the mix—a covert team of former military and spy agency operatives. With a week to save a young woman from ruthless kidnappers, this globe-spanning chase, from the beerhalls of Germany, to the tech gardens of California, to the skyscrapers of China, and finally the farmlands of Croatia will keep readers guessing until the very end. The first showcase of Forensic Instincts’ talents came with the New York Times bestseller, The Girl Who Disappeared Twice, followed by The Line Between Here and Gone, The Stranger You Know, The Silence that Speaks, The Murder That Never Was, and A Face to Die For.
Kane’s beloved historical romantic suspense novels include My Heart’s Desire, Samantha, Echoes in the Mist, and Wishes in the Wind.
With a worldwide following of passionate readers, her books have been published in more than twenty languages.
Kane lives in New Jersey with her husband and family. She’s an avid crossword puzzle solver and a diehard Yankees fan. Otherwise, she’s either writing or playing with her Pomeranian, Mischief, who does his best to keep her from writing.
Andrea Kane is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of twenty-nine novels, including fifteen psychological thrillers and fourteen historical romantic suspense titles. With her signature style, Kane creates unforgettable characters and confronts them with life-threatening danger. As a master of suspense, she weaves them into exciting, carefully-researched stories, pushing them to the edge—and keeping her readers up all night.
Kane’s first contemporary suspense thriller, Run for Your Life, became an instant New York Times bestseller. She followed with a string of bestselling psychological thrillers including No Way Out, Twisted, and Drawn in Blood.
Her latest in the highly successful Forensic Instincts series, Dead in a Week, adds the Zermatt Group into the mix—a covert team of former military and spy agency operatives. With a week to save a young woman from ruthless kidnappers, this globe-spanning chase, from the beerhalls of Germany, to the tech gardens of California, to the skyscrapers of China, and finally the farmlands of Croatia will keep readers guessing until the very end. The first showcase of Forensic Instincts’ talents came with the New York Times bestseller, The Girl Who Disappeared Twice, followed by The Line Between Here and Gone, The Stranger You Know, The Silence that Speaks, The Murder That Never Was, and A Face to Die For.
Kane’s beloved historical romantic suspense novels include My Heart’s Desire, Samantha, Echoes in the Mist, and Wishes in the Wind.
With a worldwide following of passionate readers, her books have been published in more than twenty languages.
Kane lives in New Jersey with her husband and family. She’s an avid crossword puzzle solver and a diehard Yankees fan. Otherwise, she’s either writing or playing with her Pomeranian, Mischief, who does his best to keep her from writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
September 29, 2021
Great book!! - an unusual and honest/loyal heroine breaks through the defenses of an untrusting (but lovable) hero
I've read a lot of Andrea Kane's books and she's definitely one of my favorite historical romance authors. Kane always writes delightful heroes and heroines, interesting plots and mystery subplots, and engaging well-written secondary characters. Also, she doesn't employ a lot of the ploys and tactics other authors use that often drive me crazy: her villain subplots never detract from the book, only add; she doesn't have huge misunderstandings that overtake the book and leave the hero and heroine not speaking or being dishonest with one another for eons; her heroines aren't annoying, immature, haughty, or bratty and her heroes are never mean, bordering-on-abusive, or unlikable. My Heart's Desire is the first of two Barrett Family books (it precedes Samantha , whose heroine is (you got it!) Samantha Barrett, Drake Barrett's younger sister).
Heroine: Lady Alexandria (Alex) Cassel (18). Alex is a wonderful heroine: honest, guileless, loyal, kind, intelligent, and adventurous. I knew I would like her right away just from how the book starts off—with her sneaking out in the middle of the night and stowing away on a ship because she doesn't want the life of an everyday-society-miss. Despite her youth, Alex is a very mature young woman and just dreams of a life very different from that which she seems bound to have—marriage to some titled gentleman who cares nothing for her and has no interest in getting to know her.
While on the ship, she is determined to help out in whatever way she can to make up for being allowed to stay aboard and the crew's reaction to her and the relationships that develop between them and Alex is great fun to watch. I loved her romance with Drake (both a friendship and great chemistry/sexual tension) and it's great to watch them fall in love. She's forthcoming about her feelings for Drake and even though he doesn't verbalize that he loves her in return, she suspects that he has deep feelings for her before he's able to say the three little words; she doesn't let herself be put off by his defenses and his attempts to push her away, knowing that it is because of past hurts that he is acting that way.
Hero: Captain Drake Barrett (32). Drake is also the Marquis of Cairnham and the eldest son of the Duke of Allonshire . He deplores the ton because he sees them all as being duplicitous and deceitful and more particularly, he sees all women this way (except his younger sister, Samantha, whom he adores). His mother repeatedly cuckolded his father and was not even ashamed of her many affairs and ever since he discovered this when he was young, he has had a low opinion of women. Drake doesn't trust them and sees them as being only useful in bed; he has no plans of ever getting emotionally involved with a woman or (god forbid!) giving any woman his heart.
He's a great hero though and despite this chip on his shoulder, he's never abusive towards Alex—he does sometimes say hurtful things to her (as she does to him) when they argue, but after having read some authors' books where the hero is downright nasty, I can definitively say that Drake is *not* like that! He's kind and extremely loyal to his crew and family, he's sensitive and intelligent, responsible and hardworking, determined not to wile away his time but to actually work and "get his hands dirty," so to speak. Although he has trouble accepting his true feelings for Alex, it doesn't become annoying and instead one just feels anticipation for when he will finally submit to his love for her. There are also some scenes where he's deliciously possessive and jealous, which I'm a sucker for, lol.
The Big Misunderstanding / Secret. ... is that Drake is not just a Captain, but also a Lord with a title. It's a "misunderstanding," because Drake hides from Alex that he's not the simple sea captain she assumes him to be, but also a marquis and heir to a dukedom. If you're like me and hate huge misunderstandings that dominate a book and that authors like Nicole Jordan and Judith McNaught often write, don't be put off here—I was not at all bothered by the secret in this book and thought the characters dealt very well with the situation.
When Alex and Drake first meet he's in his Captain role; he deplores the aristocracy, despite the fact that he is one himself, and he criticizes Alex for being of the nobility (concealing that he is as well), expecting to find her a haughty, arrogant, duplicitous, spoiled and pampered society miss. He of course quickly realizes that she's not like that at all and in fact, Alex has much the same opinion of the aristocracy as Drake does, despite her also being one of its members.
Once they become closer and , he's gone so long without telling her that he knows she's going to be angry and so keeps putting it off. The unveiling when Alex finds out is well-done by Kane and though Alex is understandably upset and doesn't know whether everything else that has happened between them has been a lie, she's very mature in her reaction. She emotionally distances herself from Drake (though physically they still can't deny their need for each other, lol) and then they eventually discuss the issue and Drake's misleading her; she never has any tantrums or similarly annoying reactions and instead feels as I think anyone would: hurt and betrayed.
Bottom Line. A great read (and reread) and definite buy!
Similar Books. If you're interested in reading other historical romances where the hero or heroine is mistaken for someone else, they're impersonating someone, or they're hiding their identity, check out my relevant GR shelf. Some of my favorites include:
• Anne Mallory: Seven Secrets of Seduction (Secrets, #1)
• Christina Dodd: One Kiss From You (Switching Places, #2), Lost In Your Arms, Governess Brides #6)
• Courtney Milan: Unveiled (A Turner Series, #1), The Suffragette Scandal (Brothers Sinister, #4)
• Elizabeth Hoyt: The Raven Prince (Princes Trilogy, #1)
• Jacquie D'Alessandro: Red Roses Mean Love
• Jane Feather: The Least Likely Bride (Bride Trilogy, #3), The Wedding Game (Matchmaker Duncan Sisters, #3)
• Julia Quinn: How to Marry a Marquis (Agents of the Crown #2)
• Karen Robards: Scandalous (Banning Sisters, #1), Irresistible (Banning Sisters #2)
• Lisa Kleypas: Stranger in My Arms, Lady Sophia's Lover, Suddenly You
• Lorraine Heath: Pleasures of a Notorious Gentleman (London's Greatest Lovers, #2), Midnight Pleasures with a Scoundrel (Scoundrels of St. James, #4), Texas Splendor (Leigh Brothers Texas Trilogy, #3)
• Mary Balogh: At Last Comes Love
• Mary Jo Putney: The Rake (Davenport, #2), The Wild Child (The Bride Trilogy, #1)
• Sabrina Jeffries: Wed Him Before You Bed Him (School for Heiresses, #6)
For other HRs where a large part of the book takes place on a ship, check out this GR shelf. Some of my favorites from this list are:
• The Gift (Crown's Spies, #3) by Julie Garwood
• The Pirate Lord (Lord Trilogy, #1) by Sabrina Jeffries
November 3, 2022
I really enjoyed this one. It had a right mix of romance, adventure and mystery and the chemistry between h/H was sizzling. Just what I needed after darker, angstier reads.
September 21, 2016
I know this author from her psychological thrillers but I have never read one of her historical fiction stories. When I read the author's biography I realized that the author actually started out as a historical fiction writer before turning to her psychological thrillers. I read mixed reviews about this book so I was not sure about it going into it from the beginning. Yet, I was on the side of enjoyment. Alexandria is full of hellfire. I loved her willingness to stand up to Drake. She sure matched him wit for wit. They were a match made in love. Although, I know that Drake's nickname for Alex was "princess" to tease her but by the end it turned into a cute term of endearment. The moments when Alex and Drake were alone was great. I could really feel the love between them. Another person that I enjoyed seeing in this book was Smitty. Drake's right hand man. He was so kind and was a man of wisdom. After actually enjoying this book, I want to continue on with the next book and get to know Drake's younger sister, Samantha even more in book two.
November 22, 2012
While the characters filled traditional roles in romantic literature, this novel was still wanting in character development. There was so much emphasis on the physical desires of the couple, that I had trouble believing that there was anything else under all of that.
But I do realize, this novel was not meant to be a high brow work of fiction….it was meant to be a fun quick read. A book read for entertainment, escape, and day dreams.
See my full review here
But I do realize, this novel was not meant to be a high brow work of fiction….it was meant to be a fun quick read. A book read for entertainment, escape, and day dreams.
See my full review here
December 24, 2007
Beautiful, impetuous, unconventional heroine? Check. Dashing, noble, brooding hero? Check. Adventure that spans the from the ballrooms of 19th century London to the open seas? Check, check. Andrea Kane delivers once again with Drake and Alexandria's story - I've been reading her stories since I was a teenager and this is one of her best! I highly recommend it, along with the follow-on novel, "Samantha", telling the tale of Drake's precocious sister and what fate has in store for her...
March 25, 2010
Oh heavens...
4.5 stars until the last 1/4 of the book...then it went downhill from there.
I was thoroughly enjoying this book until the heroine became an idiot. It was soooooo good until I got 3/4 of the way through.
I truly liked this authors style of writing, just I really felt the book disconnected towards the end.
I'll be sure to give another one of hers a try.
4.5 stars until the last 1/4 of the book...then it went downhill from there.
I was thoroughly enjoying this book until the heroine became an idiot. It was soooooo good until I got 3/4 of the way through.
I truly liked this authors style of writing, just I really felt the book disconnected towards the end.
I'll be sure to give another one of hers a try.
February 20, 2023
I really appreciated the forward by the author for the 25th anniversary edition. She did a ton of research to write this book. It was also her debut back in 1991. I think the writing style was good and overall I think it was paced pretty well (the last 1/4 was bam bam bam, but I can overlook that a bit for a debut). The characterization of the main couple could have been a bit stronger. I think the heroine, Alex, had a good sense of character though I don't know that she really grew by the end of the story. The hero, Drake, was really not my kind of hero; he was too "alpha" and domineering at times that was really obnoxious though he had his moments of tenderness and caring. I think his character arc was not very strong. He is misogynistic and everyone knows, even his own sister. The only women that he doesn't think are whores and liars (most of the time) are his sister and Alex. And tbh there were many times he accused Alex of being a whore or a liar, because spoiler reasons. It was exhausting and irritating that Alex and his sister seem to be the only women he deems worthy of being respected. That doesn't make a good hero to me. I think it would have been stronger for him to learn to respect all women and not just those he is in close contact with. I do appreciate though that Alex frequently called him out on his bullshit and would often verbally spar with him. I think the first 3/4 of the book was strong, but the last 1/4 was just trainwreck after trainwreck and then it ended very suddenly. I will say that my favorite characters by far were Smitty, who is a kindly old man, and Samantha, who is Drake's little sister and full of energy and life. I am excited to get to her book, which I own and has a gorgeous stepback. I hope she has a better hero though. I feel like Alex deserves more than Drake being an asshole to her for no reason. It was hard to believe that they were in love because they didn't have a lot of time just bonding. We get a couple of scenes where they talk about their lives, but mostly they just had sex and Alex said I love you first...in the middle of sex. There wasn't really many internal thoughts from her about her emotional feelings towards him, and tbh from him either. I wish we had more of that. I'm hopeful that Samantha will get a better hero in her story.
Quick let me add, the sex scene language was not for me. There was a lot of use of the word violent?? Also a lot of gendered language.
ALSO I almost forgot, he is 32 and she is freshly 18. I'm not really a large age gap girlie so that was a little ick to me personally, but if you like an age gap with an alpha-like hero, here ya go.
Quick let me add, the sex scene language was not for me. There was a lot of use of the word violent?? Also a lot of gendered language.
ALSO I almost forgot, he is 32 and she is freshly 18. I'm not really a large age gap girlie so that was a little ick to me personally, but if you like an age gap with an alpha-like hero, here ya go.
Read
December 15, 2020I love Andrea Kane's writing and even though I have read all of her Forensic Instinct book I had not read this book which I understand was her first book. She explained in the beginning of the book how she came up with some of the situations in the book which made some of it more understandable. The fact that there was so much love and stubbordness and on the part of the two main characters and that they finally got it together was worth the ride. The there was the requesent bad guy that got his due just in time sometimes in then for sure in the end. Enjoyable read and spirited characters.
September 9, 2021
4 stars. Read this for Regan Walker’s Historical Romance Review blog, Sept. is Georgian and Regency month. This was a pretty good one! It’s a 1991 old school type classic with a very Alpha male, who of course doesn’t trust women, (think damn you heroine for making me love you…) and of course a misunderstanding towards the end. If any of these old school tropes bother you then maybe not the book for you. But, if you like the Shirley Busbee’ish type, it reminded me a little of that, then this is a good one. I personally really enjoyed it and recommend it.
April 13, 2022
Enjoyable tale of an ultra-rebellious hoyden stowing away to Canada. Alex innocently charms all she meets, especially Drake, and usually brings chaos as well. After significant head-butting and many late-night talks, they fell in love with each other. The villain is introduced quite early, but his actual treachery is not revealed until much later in the book. Alex is the fiery woman you love and want to protect. Drake is battling his own demons throughout the book. Smitty is a wonderful addition to the story, he provides a fatherly friendly warmth to both Alex and Drake.
April 13, 2022
I always enjoy stories that take place outside of the ton. So my favorite part was when they were stranded on the island. I loved Alex, but I really dislike her moments of stupidity. Drake got my back up so many times with his distrust. Sammy is just darling! And Smithy is so awesome. All in all, a wonderful novel.
July 14, 2025
This is absolutely my favorite Andrea Kane book. I love Alex's take-charge attitude. And the enigmatic hero who only let's down his guard with one person always captures my attention. Drake is lost to Alex before he knows it. So much fun!
October 13, 2018
Drake was more than a bit selfish. Despite this I admire any book that has me screaming out loud at the characters.
August 5, 2021
Audible plus find…. Good for a quick summer historical fiction adventure/love story.
April 22, 2022
3.5 stars
I liked the story, but something was missing 🤔
It was also a bit slow and prolonged.
I liked the story, but something was missing 🤔
It was also a bit slow and prolonged.
June 26, 2021
Another escape listen I found in the audible plus selection. What can I say: I’ve been in a mood lately and am a couple weeks from more credits.
Anyway, really enjoyed this one. It has everything a historical romance reader wants in historical romance: intrigue, fighting, love, pirates (I use this term loosely), murder, unwanted love, etc. I loved the characters. I laughed with them and cried for them. It was just a joy.
Was it a totally plausible story? Nope! But that’s why it’s an escape. 😉
Anyway, really enjoyed this one. It has everything a historical romance reader wants in historical romance: intrigue, fighting, love, pirates (I use this term loosely), murder, unwanted love, etc. I loved the characters. I laughed with them and cried for them. It was just a joy.
Was it a totally plausible story? Nope! But that’s why it’s an escape. 😉
September 26, 2016
MY HEART'S DESIRE by Andrea Kane
Lady Alexandria Cassel scorns the ton and all it stands for so she decides to leave England just before her first Season and visit her father who is working in Canada. Perhaps there Alex will be free to find her heart's desire. However, she continues her unconventional plan in a most unconventional manner. Taking no extra clothing, let alone a servant, Alex pens a hasty note to her mother, and stows aboard a Canadian bound ship. What she doesn't realize is that Captain Drake Barrett of said ship happens to be Lord Cairnham, one of the most elite members of the ton, who also holds that society in disdain.
As Duke keeps his identity quiet, Alex charms the rest of the men and slowly begins to melt Duke's icy heart. A happy ending however will be made more difficult by secrets, as well as Duke's treacherous younger brother, Alex's cold father, an upcoming war, and a ship caught in the crosshairs.
Although I primarily read cozy mysteries now, when MY HEART'S DESIRE was first published I was mainly reading romances. I'm actually surprised I had not read this book as I love Regencies as much as paranormal romances (my mainstay 25 years ago). A lot has changed since this book was first written, but I am pleased to stay this novel has stood the test of time. MY HEART'S DESIRE is a fun read with characters you love, danger, and laughs too.
MY HEART'S DESIRE is an exciting trip back in time. Fraught with danger and desire our couple face adversity and each other with determination and love. The writing is crisp and clean, the is plot interesting, and the characters are well developed. MY HEART'S DESIRE is a fun read that reminds me why I enjoy reading romance novels.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a copy of this book in the hopes I would review it.
Lady Alexandria Cassel scorns the ton and all it stands for so she decides to leave England just before her first Season and visit her father who is working in Canada. Perhaps there Alex will be free to find her heart's desire. However, she continues her unconventional plan in a most unconventional manner. Taking no extra clothing, let alone a servant, Alex pens a hasty note to her mother, and stows aboard a Canadian bound ship. What she doesn't realize is that Captain Drake Barrett of said ship happens to be Lord Cairnham, one of the most elite members of the ton, who also holds that society in disdain.
As Duke keeps his identity quiet, Alex charms the rest of the men and slowly begins to melt Duke's icy heart. A happy ending however will be made more difficult by secrets, as well as Duke's treacherous younger brother, Alex's cold father, an upcoming war, and a ship caught in the crosshairs.
Although I primarily read cozy mysteries now, when MY HEART'S DESIRE was first published I was mainly reading romances. I'm actually surprised I had not read this book as I love Regencies as much as paranormal romances (my mainstay 25 years ago). A lot has changed since this book was first written, but I am pleased to stay this novel has stood the test of time. MY HEART'S DESIRE is a fun read with characters you love, danger, and laughs too.
MY HEART'S DESIRE is an exciting trip back in time. Fraught with danger and desire our couple face adversity and each other with determination and love. The writing is crisp and clean, the is plot interesting, and the characters are well developed. MY HEART'S DESIRE is a fun read that reminds me why I enjoy reading romance novels.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a copy of this book in the hopes I would review it.
September 19, 2016
I received a copy of this book directly from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
My Heart’s Desire by Andrea Kane, was yet another solid historical romance – although I’ll admit, it does fall a bit into the formulaic side of romance—but I’m okay with that.
Overall, the writing was nearly flawless. I did run into a typo or two, but nothing that pulled me out of the narrative or otherwise halted the flow of the story for me. The typos were minor, and easily skimmed over, and other than that, the writing was clean, clear, and flowed a nice pace.
Though there was a tough of the simpering maiden to the main female lead, Alexandria, for the most part I found her character better described as stubborn, head-strong, and caring. She had her moments of fit, where she lost her head, but for the vast majority of the story, she did what she thought was best. I liked her as a lead character quite a bit.
As for Drake… well… he was often arrogant, and easily as headstrong as Alex, and I understand completely why she lost her head with him at times—he could certainly be infuriating—but like Alex, he usually kept his head. He was strong, and intelligent, and had a softer side that he tried to mask, but didn’t always succeed. The romance between Alex and Drake was steamy and filled with tension, and kept the story going.
Overall, I loved the book. I liked the characters, the easy world building, the plot and it’s many conflicts… the only trouble I ran into was that although warranted in order to tie up all the little bits of the plot, the ending did seem a few chapters too long. I’d expected it to end long before it did, and that may have been a bit of a pacing issue. Regardless, I enjoyed the story, and I was entertained. If you enjoy historical romances, you are certain to enjoy this one.
My Heart’s Desire by Andrea Kane, was yet another solid historical romance – although I’ll admit, it does fall a bit into the formulaic side of romance—but I’m okay with that.
Overall, the writing was nearly flawless. I did run into a typo or two, but nothing that pulled me out of the narrative or otherwise halted the flow of the story for me. The typos were minor, and easily skimmed over, and other than that, the writing was clean, clear, and flowed a nice pace.
Though there was a tough of the simpering maiden to the main female lead, Alexandria, for the most part I found her character better described as stubborn, head-strong, and caring. She had her moments of fit, where she lost her head, but for the vast majority of the story, she did what she thought was best. I liked her as a lead character quite a bit.
As for Drake… well… he was often arrogant, and easily as headstrong as Alex, and I understand completely why she lost her head with him at times—he could certainly be infuriating—but like Alex, he usually kept his head. He was strong, and intelligent, and had a softer side that he tried to mask, but didn’t always succeed. The romance between Alex and Drake was steamy and filled with tension, and kept the story going.
Overall, I loved the book. I liked the characters, the easy world building, the plot and it’s many conflicts… the only trouble I ran into was that although warranted in order to tie up all the little bits of the plot, the ending did seem a few chapters too long. I’d expected it to end long before it did, and that may have been a bit of a pacing issue. Regardless, I enjoyed the story, and I was entertained. If you enjoy historical romances, you are certain to enjoy this one.
May 20, 2010
Sometimes I wish I wasn't so "easy" with my 5 star reviews because when something really special comes along, all I have is the 5 stars to give it! This is certainly in a league of it's own and I really couldn't say a thing negative about it!
I love a great "ship romance" and this is really the quintessential ship romance. Drake and Alex were really incredible people, and I couldn't get through this book fast enough. It is one of those "all nighters" so beware!
Drake and Alex are both running from the same thing...responsabilities and social system that they hate. Alex stows away on Drake's ship in order to get away from the "season" and get to her father. Drake is, of course, not pleased when he finds Alex on board his ship. The attraction is instant and the chemistry is undeniable.
The friendship that develops between Alex and Drake is the strength of this novel. Drake vows never to love a woman because he sees them as unfaithful and untrustworthy, but the reader "sees" him falling in love every step of the way. Alex is a wonderful lady. Kind, compassionate, faithful, and trustworthy. She is the gem of this novel and no one knows it better than Drake. Throw in one of the sweetest secondary characters...Smitty (Drake's valet/steward), a very jealous and sick brother, and a sweet and funny sister, and you have found yourself a "must read"!
I enjoyed every minute!
I love a great "ship romance" and this is really the quintessential ship romance. Drake and Alex were really incredible people, and I couldn't get through this book fast enough. It is one of those "all nighters" so beware!
Drake and Alex are both running from the same thing...responsabilities and social system that they hate. Alex stows away on Drake's ship in order to get away from the "season" and get to her father. Drake is, of course, not pleased when he finds Alex on board his ship. The attraction is instant and the chemistry is undeniable.
The friendship that develops between Alex and Drake is the strength of this novel. Drake vows never to love a woman because he sees them as unfaithful and untrustworthy, but the reader "sees" him falling in love every step of the way. Alex is a wonderful lady. Kind, compassionate, faithful, and trustworthy. She is the gem of this novel and no one knows it better than Drake. Throw in one of the sweetest secondary characters...Smitty (Drake's valet/steward), a very jealous and sick brother, and a sweet and funny sister, and you have found yourself a "must read"!
I enjoyed every minute!
historical
January 2, 2019Plunging from a well-bred lady to society’s most scandalous outcast, one woman faces danger and romance with a determination to live on her own terms
London’s high society assumes that Alexandria Cassell, a lady of impeccable lineage, is eager to wed the first suitable aristocrat who proposes. But Alexandria despises the shallow mindlessness of London society. Craving adventure, she steals down to the docks and stows away aboard a merchant ship bound for Canada. Drake Barrett loves the open seas. As captain of his own vessel, he can escape his life as a duke, where he would be doomed to the empty chatter of glittering ballrooms. But when he finds a delicate beauty aboard ship, he forgets everything but a man’s desires. From a fleeting island paradise to a country caught in the sudden crossfire of war, Drake and Alexandria give in to a passion that just might reveal their true passions . . . if a shocking act of treachery doesn’t separate them forever.
London’s high society assumes that Alexandria Cassell, a lady of impeccable lineage, is eager to wed the first suitable aristocrat who proposes. But Alexandria despises the shallow mindlessness of London society. Craving adventure, she steals down to the docks and stows away aboard a merchant ship bound for Canada. Drake Barrett loves the open seas. As captain of his own vessel, he can escape his life as a duke, where he would be doomed to the empty chatter of glittering ballrooms. But when he finds a delicate beauty aboard ship, he forgets everything but a man’s desires. From a fleeting island paradise to a country caught in the sudden crossfire of war, Drake and Alexandria give in to a passion that just might reveal their true passions . . . if a shocking act of treachery doesn’t separate them forever.
July 1, 2013
This is a nice, light, fun summer read.
I do feel that the story could have been developed a bit more (SPOILER ALERT)... she's running away! then she gets caught on a ship! then BOOM they fall in love! then BOOM they get married! then they have to get back on the ship because WAR! Oy. Not to mention that the protagonist, Alexandria, comes off as a spoiled rich girl who needs to be rescued by her strong mysterious man on several occasions, and I frequently wanted to give both Alex and her man a good dope slap every once in a while.
The language can be a bit flowery and I could do without some of the gratuitous sex scenes (enough with the talk of loins and members!), but over all I did find it surprisingly entertaining... I do enjoy a good historical romance, but sadly this author is no Diana Gabaldon.
I do feel that the story could have been developed a bit more (SPOILER ALERT)... she's running away! then she gets caught on a ship! then BOOM they fall in love! then BOOM they get married! then they have to get back on the ship because WAR! Oy. Not to mention that the protagonist, Alexandria, comes off as a spoiled rich girl who needs to be rescued by her strong mysterious man on several occasions, and I frequently wanted to give both Alex and her man a good dope slap every once in a while.
The language can be a bit flowery and I could do without some of the gratuitous sex scenes (enough with the talk of loins and members!), but over all I did find it surprisingly entertaining... I do enjoy a good historical romance, but sadly this author is no Diana Gabaldon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2016
Full Review at: What's Beyond Forks?
Drake tried to be a brute. He has major trust & anger issues. He doesn't believe in love. He doesn't want love. I guess he never bargained on meeting Alex who comes into his life like a bull in a china shop. I don't know why she didn't kick him to the curb a few times. He sure deserved it. Alex was a fun little spitfire of a thing. There was insta-lust, but it certainly wasn't insta-love. They bantered and faught most of the time, but when they turned on the steam... Whew! It was entertaining, funny, steamy, and had a touch of adventure and danger!
My Heart's Desire by Andrea Kane was kindly provided to me by the author for review. The opinions are my own.
September 12, 2016
This is the first book that I have read by this author. I thought it was a nice and enjoyable romance book. I liked the setting of this book. When historical romance books take place on a ship it just adds a little for me. It was fun watching Alex and Drake start out becoming friends and then even more. You have to appreciate Alex's desire to not be a part of "society" so much so that she jumps on a ship and is a stowaway to get away from it all. I don't know if I would have been able to do that. I liked how this book pulled me in on the first page and held my attention until the very end. I am looking forward to the second book in this series.
October 21, 2016
The life you want?
Or the life you were born to live?
Alex wants to sail to Canada because she loves the sea and her father (not particularly interested in her) is the Governor there. Her mother wants her to have a "season" and pick a husband from the assembled aristocrats.
Drake is a sea captain. And the heir to a Duke although eh doesn't use his title while he is sailing.
The two meet when Alexandra stows away on his ship!
Their story unfolds with sone predictable and unpredictable elements! Very entertaining.
Or the life you were born to live?
Alex wants to sail to Canada because she loves the sea and her father (not particularly interested in her) is the Governor there. Her mother wants her to have a "season" and pick a husband from the assembled aristocrats.
Drake is a sea captain. And the heir to a Duke although eh doesn't use his title while he is sailing.
The two meet when Alexandra stows away on his ship!
Their story unfolds with sone predictable and unpredictable elements! Very entertaining.
December 4, 2016
Sigh... it's bee a while since I read this kind of historical romance. Captain's always do it for me. This one is as manly and predictive as can be and still I enjoyed him and his story very much. The story is not really original, but has some fun twists. It is a full novel with some sideline stories and I enjoyed it very much.
I'm not sure why Kane switched to Romantic Thrillers but this historical is a book I like more than most of her rom suspense novels.
I'm not sure why Kane switched to Romantic Thrillers but this historical is a book I like more than most of her rom suspense novels.
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March 6, 2021the only thing that I didn't like was that the H wouldn't have married the h if not her father. He would have just let her go even knowing that she probably would get forced by her snobbish father to marry some disgusting man with title.
March 27, 2012
I loved this book. Didnt have a Strong ending like I was expecting but was very good all the same
April 14, 2012
DRAKE BARRETT!!! LOL
November 4, 2012
It wasn't as good as her other books but you know, it was still fairly decent. So I'm going to give it a three stars, just because I did like the characters.
December 14, 2012
This historical romance was interesting. You had many things going on in one book. I enjoyed it up until the end.
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