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The Desire for Dearborne
Leander Mayfield is the only surviving son of a poor farmer... or so he believes until the day he learns he is in fact the new Earl of Dearborne. Still recovering from a lingering illness, the sensitive young man travels to Great Britain to claim his estate and embarks upon a bewildering new life.
Julien Sutcliffe, the Earl of Blackstone, is suffering from ennui. He's tired and bored with all the finery and wealth and wonders about him. Then he meets this refreshingly naive American Earl, newly arrived in England, and suddenly the world comes alive around him again.
Irresistibly drawn to one another, Julien finds himself besotted, and Leander is equally smitten. But just when they think they may have finally found happiness together, Julien and Leander discover that something--or someone--is determined to separate them permanently.
Julien Sutcliffe, the Earl of Blackstone, is suffering from ennui. He's tired and bored with all the finery and wealth and wonders about him. Then he meets this refreshingly naive American Earl, newly arrived in England, and suddenly the world comes alive around him again.
Irresistibly drawn to one another, Julien finds himself besotted, and Leander is equally smitten. But just when they think they may have finally found happiness together, Julien and Leander discover that something--or someone--is determined to separate them permanently.
266 pages, Paperback
First published June 15, 2009
24 people are currently reading
1243 people want to read
About the author
V.B. Kildaire
5 books34 followersV.B. Kildaire is a Canadian prairie girl from Manitoba who has worked at a national park, a radio station, and a family-owned store. She has an unhealthy obsession with mad monarchs and unexplained history. She is also servant to a very spoiled cat.
Visit her blog at http://vbkildaire.livejournal.com/.
Visit her blog at http://vbkildaire.livejournal.com/.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
January 7, 2026
~2.5~
The first half was fine, a bit repetitive and slow, with too much telling, but I was game. Then the plot took a turn that was both predictable and ridiculous, and I ended up skimming the last few chapters.
This book is an "oldie" (published in 2009, the dawn of the M/M romance genre), but even though it's a historical (set around 1830), it feels dated. It's like the author wrote a vintage Harlequin Regency Romance, changed the helpless heroine's pronouns to he/him, and called it a day.
The main conflict is Julien telling Leander to stay away from his (Leander's) cousin but not explaining why. Leander balks, yet Julien keeps on pushing without providing a single reason for his insistence. Julien trusts Leander's judgment, so his refusal to clarify felt like a setup for the drama fest that follows.
There's also cheating, namely after the fight, Julien visits a molly house, gets drunk, and kisses another man. That's as far as it goes, but it was enough to make me feel all kinds of icky.
The narrative is crowded with too many secondary characters (I'm talking dozens!), all of whom have fancy names and titles. Confusing much?
The author threw everything at this story (intrigue, murder, social conventions, long-lost relatives, Arthurian legends), yet shoved aside the intricacies of same-sex relationships during that time period (Julien does what he wants, with no repercussions whatsoever) and failed to develop a true connection between the MCs (chemisty was MIA). Disappointing.
The first half was fine, a bit repetitive and slow, with too much telling, but I was game. Then the plot took a turn that was both predictable and ridiculous, and I ended up skimming the last few chapters.
This book is an "oldie" (published in 2009, the dawn of the M/M romance genre), but even though it's a historical (set around 1830), it feels dated. It's like the author wrote a vintage Harlequin Regency Romance, changed the helpless heroine's pronouns to he/him, and called it a day.
The main conflict is Julien telling Leander to stay away from his (Leander's) cousin but not explaining why. Leander balks, yet Julien keeps on pushing without providing a single reason for his insistence. Julien trusts Leander's judgment, so his refusal to clarify felt like a setup for the drama fest that follows.
There's also cheating, namely after the fight, Julien visits a molly house, gets drunk, and kisses another man. That's as far as it goes, but it was enough to make me feel all kinds of icky.
The narrative is crowded with too many secondary characters (I'm talking dozens!), all of whom have fancy names and titles. Confusing much?
The author threw everything at this story (intrigue, murder, social conventions, long-lost relatives, Arthurian legends), yet shoved aside the intricacies of same-sex relationships during that time period (Julien does what he wants, with no repercussions whatsoever) and failed to develop a true connection between the MCs (chemisty was MIA). Disappointing.
October 1, 2009
When I read Desire for Dearborne by V.B. Kildaire, several things struck me about this wonderful book. It reminded me how much I miss reading historical romances. It’s unfortunate that there aren’t more historically based homoerotic romances available. I know it’s harder for the heroes to end up with a happy ever after, so many authors avoid this theme, but this author was able to not only make this book very loving and romantic, it had a great ending as well.
Desire for Dearborne read like an old school romance novel and I loved it. Our hero, Leander Mayfield, has recently found out he has inherited the esteemed title of becoming the Earl of Dearborne from his long lost grandfather. Since Leander has lived in America all of his life, the news comes as quite a shock. His two beloved older brothers were lost at sea, leaving Leander alone and practically penniless, so when he finds out he’s not only an Earl, but a rich one at that, he immediately hops on a boat to England to start his new life.
Leander has had much loss in his life. He was a sickly child, so he has a long time love affair with books and knowledge. Throughout his childhood and until now, Leander has had several bouts of sickness which he has recovered from. Because of this, he is quite shy and is often misunderstood. But, Leander also has a zest for life. Even though he makes mistakes, he embraces his new life, as much as Leander’s shyness and consideration will allow.
When Leander meets Julien Sutcliff, the Earl of Blackstone, he feels an immediate connection with him. Julien’s roguish behavior and known preference for male companionship instead of females, often keep the ton’s tongues wagging. But, Leander doesn’t believe rumors, nor does he care that Julien is attracted to men. As the men become more acquainted, Leander himself, starts to realize that he has always been attracted to men, especially Julien.
Julien has never been ashamed of her attraction to men. Aware of his reputation as a sodimite and a debaucher of innocents, he has deliberately had relationships with kept men, instead of other men of his station. Being around the innocent and sweetly shy Leander brings out his protective instincts and makes him emotionally raw, which he has never felt before.
When Leander’s life is suddenly in danger, decisions must be made. Should they ignore the love between them, or fight to be in each other’s arms forever?
I loved this book and I can’t wait to read more by this author. The story itself is fast paced and there is an element of suspense and mystery to it, also that keeps the story interesting as well. I would not category this book as erotic, though. I would consider this more sensual, which I enjoyed just as much, because of the intimacy and feelings Leander and Julien share between them.
5+ stars
Desire for Dearborne read like an old school romance novel and I loved it. Our hero, Leander Mayfield, has recently found out he has inherited the esteemed title of becoming the Earl of Dearborne from his long lost grandfather. Since Leander has lived in America all of his life, the news comes as quite a shock. His two beloved older brothers were lost at sea, leaving Leander alone and practically penniless, so when he finds out he’s not only an Earl, but a rich one at that, he immediately hops on a boat to England to start his new life.
Leander has had much loss in his life. He was a sickly child, so he has a long time love affair with books and knowledge. Throughout his childhood and until now, Leander has had several bouts of sickness which he has recovered from. Because of this, he is quite shy and is often misunderstood. But, Leander also has a zest for life. Even though he makes mistakes, he embraces his new life, as much as Leander’s shyness and consideration will allow.
When Leander meets Julien Sutcliff, the Earl of Blackstone, he feels an immediate connection with him. Julien’s roguish behavior and known preference for male companionship instead of females, often keep the ton’s tongues wagging. But, Leander doesn’t believe rumors, nor does he care that Julien is attracted to men. As the men become more acquainted, Leander himself, starts to realize that he has always been attracted to men, especially Julien.
Julien has never been ashamed of her attraction to men. Aware of his reputation as a sodimite and a debaucher of innocents, he has deliberately had relationships with kept men, instead of other men of his station. Being around the innocent and sweetly shy Leander brings out his protective instincts and makes him emotionally raw, which he has never felt before.
When Leander’s life is suddenly in danger, decisions must be made. Should they ignore the love between them, or fight to be in each other’s arms forever?
I loved this book and I can’t wait to read more by this author. The story itself is fast paced and there is an element of suspense and mystery to it, also that keeps the story interesting as well. I would not category this book as erotic, though. I would consider this more sensual, which I enjoyed just as much, because of the intimacy and feelings Leander and Julien share between them.
5+ stars
January 18, 2015
I admit, I am very new in historical/regency MM romance -- I was only converted last year. BUT, I discovered that there was different kind of joy coming from historical/regency MM that I could relish in (one of them is that none of these Lords or Earls or Duke will call their lover, "BABY" *haha*). So I have been looking for few historical MMs these days.
Well, The Desire for Dearborne is very lovely. I really appreciated the way the relationship progressed between Lord Julien Blackstone and Leander Mayfield, the American earl. Leander is kind, sweet, and maybe a bit naive since he's practically a stranger in this new country and society so different from him back home. I thought his reaction to everything was really endearing -- like how eager he is with watching a Shakespeare play or how he worries about his staffs and takes time to learn their names.
Julien is the more experienced one, older than Leander by almost a decade. I imagine that he's the typical kind of hero in regency romance, so I'm not really having anything more to say about him. They do make quite a wonderful couple.
Unfortunately I was a bit annoyed with how the story went from traditional romance to slightly far-fetched twist about the last quarter or so. No, I'm not talking about the 'threat' against Leander's life. That one I easily predicted considering the way that the villain reacted. I'm talking about ....
Aside from that, I was pretty satisfied with this. I guess I could say that my love for historical/regency MM romance might still flourish this year -- IF I can keep finding good materials to read, of course.
Well, The Desire for Dearborne is very lovely. I really appreciated the way the relationship progressed between Lord Julien Blackstone and Leander Mayfield, the American earl. Leander is kind, sweet, and maybe a bit naive since he's practically a stranger in this new country and society so different from him back home. I thought his reaction to everything was really endearing -- like how eager he is with watching a Shakespeare play or how he worries about his staffs and takes time to learn their names.
Julien is the more experienced one, older than Leander by almost a decade. I imagine that he's the typical kind of hero in regency romance, so I'm not really having anything more to say about him. They do make quite a wonderful couple.
Unfortunately I was a bit annoyed with how the story went from traditional romance to slightly far-fetched twist about the last quarter or so. No, I'm not talking about the 'threat' against Leander's life. That one I easily predicted considering the way that the villain reacted. I'm talking about ....
Aside from that, I was pretty satisfied with this. I guess I could say that my love for historical/regency MM romance might still flourish this year -- IF I can keep finding good materials to read, of course.
October 25, 2015
2009 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention (5* from at least 1 judge)
April 10, 2022
Enjoyable historical romance with likable MCs, decent steam and witty banter. I liked the author's writing style and where they took the story. The villain was obvious from the beginning but that was alright. I really liked Lee and Julien. Their budding romance and longing were so sweet and flowed naturally. Good Regency period romance.
April 30, 2012
I'm torn between giving this book the strongest 3 ever vs. the weakest 4 ever. It's a tough call. The characters were very likable, and it was delicious to see jaded man-about-town Julien as he fell for wide-eyed, naive newcomer Leander.
What drags this story down a little for me, though, is the suspense plot. The bad guy was totally predictable, but even if I were to discount that element, I just thought that there was too much time when the two main characters were not interacting and instead were embroiled within the suspense element of the story.
Another aspect that didn't quite ring true was the ease of acceptance that Julien found in his preference for male company. I thought that Society was way too blase towards his seemingly widely-known homosexuality. It was a case of "as long as he's discreet, anything goes." I didn't find that all too believable, to be honest, and I thought it was also very surprising that they were so accepting of Leander's implied "coming out" as Julien's lover, as well.
Note that the sexytimes in this story, while multiple, are not very explicit (a page or two each, maybe). That said, the tension between the main characters - when they're both "on screen," that is - is very nicely played out.
This story was well-written, but there were a handful or so of editing oversights that were distracting. I think I'm going with a 3 star rating, but please understand that it's a very robust and super strong 3++++.
What drags this story down a little for me, though, is the suspense plot. The bad guy was totally predictable, but even if I were to discount that element, I just thought that there was too much time when the two main characters were not interacting and instead were embroiled within the suspense element of the story.
Another aspect that didn't quite ring true was the ease of acceptance that Julien found in his preference for male company. I thought that Society was way too blase towards his seemingly widely-known homosexuality. It was a case of "as long as he's discreet, anything goes." I didn't find that all too believable, to be honest, and I thought it was also very surprising that they were so accepting of Leander's implied "coming out" as Julien's lover, as well.
Note that the sexytimes in this story, while multiple, are not very explicit (a page or two each, maybe). That said, the tension between the main characters - when they're both "on screen," that is - is very nicely played out.
This story was well-written, but there were a handful or so of editing oversights that were distracting. I think I'm going with a 3 star rating, but please understand that it's a very robust and super strong 3++++.
October 9, 2012
This book was really good and the couple it was based on were really good together and I loved both Leander and Julien together. One of the problems was the book in parts was a bit boring and the evil character was not much of a shock. Nothing in this book was for me which is why I was disappointed with it and marked it down one star. The story was really good though and if there had been at least one shock in this book it would be five stars but it was predictable. I really loved Leander and how he was around Julien was nothing short of adorable. Julien was a good match for Leander and I loved the way he felt protective over him. He was a bit of an ass in places though and it put me off ever so slightly. I loved his aunt and she was a refreshing character especially for historical romances. I say give this book a shot but be warned about the fact it drags a bit and has no real shocks in it. :)
April 22, 2013
O: I SEE "CONSUMPTIVE"
Julio, look at what you've done to me.
I like it. Leander, first off, has a really cool name. In addition, he's naive, yes, but not altogether stupid. It's rather refreshing. He's not an ingenue. It's cool.
So, yeah. It was good; I quite liked it, but then it was plot, plot, plot, random intrigue that wasn't bad, deus ex machina Absolution of Responsibilities, stalking, pretty much a farcical chase scene, random stuff, more sex. Actually, the sex wasn't bad, I guess. It was...adorable sex. I was a bit poleaxed by that.
Later half, imo, was weird, but I still rather liked the characters, so... *shrug
The very ending was kind of cute.
Julio, look at what you've done to me.
I like it. Leander, first off, has a really cool name. In addition, he's naive, yes, but not altogether stupid. It's rather refreshing. He's not an ingenue. It's cool.
So, yeah. It was good; I quite liked it, but then it was plot, plot, plot, random intrigue that wasn't bad, deus ex machina Absolution of Responsibilities, stalking, pretty much a farcical chase scene, random stuff, more sex. Actually, the sex wasn't bad, I guess. It was...adorable sex. I was a bit poleaxed by that.
Later half, imo, was weird, but I still rather liked the characters, so... *shrug
The very ending was kind of cute.
February 5, 2016
Another really good Regency romance, I just can't get enough of them. Leander and Julien are perfect for each other, I liked that they are really open and didn't hold back on their attraction for one another. The pace really picked up in the last 25 percent or so, and we were treated to a nice little bit of angst, which was a surprise. I've knocked off one star as I thought the sex scenes were a little rushed and I was left wanting more (but that's probably just me!).
August 1, 2009
If you ignore the dumb title and the hokey cover art, this is actually a really enjoyable book.
My only beefs: I felt like Blackstone should have been chastised and shunned more. He's open about his "preferences for the company of men" and there are whispers, but everyone kind of just shrugs about him. He justifies it by thinking that, because he's an earl, no one will hang him for sodomy. I worried that Dearborne also might be too feminine; he has a weak constitution and is ill most of the novel, which puts Blackstone in a protector/healer sort of role (which sets up kind of an unsettling gender role binary for an m/m book), but it was handled pretty well by the author. Dearborne's oblivious naivete was the larger problem. He's 22 years old but seems to have had no notion that sexual desire even existed before he met Blackstone, which the author explains away by saying he was sick most of his life, but still... unlikely, right? There's also not a lot of moral ambiguity. The good guys are Good and the bad guys are Bad.
On the other hand, the author got me with the twist involving Dearborne's family, and there were many candidates for Chief Bad Guy, so at least the whodunnit plot that emerges is not completely obvious. Plus it's well written and the characters are pretty well drawn.
My only beefs: I felt like Blackstone should have been chastised and shunned more. He's open about his "preferences for the company of men" and there are whispers, but everyone kind of just shrugs about him. He justifies it by thinking that, because he's an earl, no one will hang him for sodomy. I worried that Dearborne also might be too feminine; he has a weak constitution and is ill most of the novel, which puts Blackstone in a protector/healer sort of role (which sets up kind of an unsettling gender role binary for an m/m book), but it was handled pretty well by the author. Dearborne's oblivious naivete was the larger problem. He's 22 years old but seems to have had no notion that sexual desire even existed before he met Blackstone, which the author explains away by saying he was sick most of his life, but still... unlikely, right? There's also not a lot of moral ambiguity. The good guys are Good and the bad guys are Bad.
On the other hand, the author got me with the twist involving Dearborne's family, and there were many candidates for Chief Bad Guy, so at least the whodunnit plot that emerges is not completely obvious. Plus it's well written and the characters are pretty well drawn.
February 1, 2015
This started out strong but kinda dragged in the middle, but it sure made up with the ending.
Leander was the kind of character I love. A little shy and naïve, but sweet and charming.
Julien was a bit more of a playboy, but in the good guy kinda way.
Watching their romance was enjoyable, but the whole sinister cousin part was what really gave this story an edge for me. I was actually fooled for a few paragraphs lol.
Very exciting climax and a sweet ending.
My niggle is a spoiler so beware. The ease with which the brothers settled into the rich lifestyle seemed a little fast considering they were pretty much poor country mice compared to the lorded gentry. They all seemed quite comfortable and their speech pattern seemed flawless to me, while I would of expected a few faux pas considering they are all American, and poor farmers to boot. Kit seemed to assume the title of Lord without a single hitch. Even Leander seemed to fit in easily once he started.
Not that any of that took away my enjoyment.
Leander was the kind of character I love. A little shy and naïve, but sweet and charming.
Julien was a bit more of a playboy, but in the good guy kinda way.
Watching their romance was enjoyable, but the whole sinister cousin part was what really gave this story an edge for me. I was actually fooled for a few paragraphs lol.
Very exciting climax and a sweet ending.
My niggle is a spoiler so beware. The ease with which the brothers settled into the rich lifestyle seemed a little fast considering they were pretty much poor country mice compared to the lorded gentry. They all seemed quite comfortable and their speech pattern seemed flawless to me, while I would of expected a few faux pas considering they are all American, and poor farmers to boot. Kit seemed to assume the title of Lord without a single hitch. Even Leander seemed to fit in easily once he started.
Not that any of that took away my enjoyment.
December 30, 2019
Strength of Character Prevails!
The Leander & Julian love story is full of intrigue, rumors, sexy times and romance! I love this historical tale of the bedridden, farmer, turn aristocrat Leander Mayfield and the cynical, arrogant, jaded peer of the realm Julien Sutcliffe. This story has everything to keep you interested: greed, subterfuge, a missing heir, murder, heartbreak, kidnapping, shipwrecks, survival, and love.
I plan on reading more books from this author!
The Leander & Julian love story is full of intrigue, rumors, sexy times and romance! I love this historical tale of the bedridden, farmer, turn aristocrat Leander Mayfield and the cynical, arrogant, jaded peer of the realm Julien Sutcliffe. This story has everything to keep you interested: greed, subterfuge, a missing heir, murder, heartbreak, kidnapping, shipwrecks, survival, and love.
I plan on reading more books from this author!
January 19, 2023
I'm always a fan of a good historical romance, and here we get a tale of Leander Mayfield, a naive American who learns he is an English lord, and jaded Julian Sutcliffe who finds himself utterly charmed by the man. The author does a nice job with the setting and the two MCs .... but the plot is implausible and the villain is easily determined a handful of pages into the book. 3 stars.
April 21, 2014
I liked this book fine till the point when the author just took the romance out of the equation and turned the book into I don't know what. Instead of developing the relationship between the heroes, which was just at the starting point, the author brought in suspense, separation, long-lost family..all this was FRUSTRATING the hell out of me! I was feeling incredibly sorry for Leander - the people who were supposed to care about him were incredibly slow to take some action and find him. Then, when Leander returned, it was again weeks of unnecessary and not-well-explained wait for Julien to get some balls and fight for his love...which he didn't, btw.
3 stars only because I actually liked Leander.
3 stars only because I actually liked Leander.
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September 15, 2022Nowadays (this makes me sound a hundred am aware)… anyway. Nowadays, if I actually manage to finish a romance on my kindle, I enjoyed it so. FIN.
November 6, 2015
Damn this cover! I havent read this book, skirted around it for YEARS. All because of that cover. But I wanted a good historical and a friend read it recently and gushed so I thought I'd give it a go. Damn but I loved it. I ADORED Leander. His naivete and watching him fumble around society was endearing and never felt forced or childish, just legit. I can't imagine being dropped in the scenario like that. And watching Julien really rise to the task of loving Leander.
The biggest reason I dropped a star, and it'd gonna make me sound silly, is the way everything worked out in the end. I was THRILLED with the HEA, don't get me wrong. But... Okay. I read A LOT of M/M Historicals, majority of them being Regency. In those books, guys gladly lose titles etc because it's necessary for their HEA to work out (so they don't have to marry, produce heirs, etc) but since this was a Timeless Dreams title, there wasn't HUGE drama over their being gay. It wasn't ignored, but it's probably a reality for some guys back then that their friends knew but it wasn't discussed and due to wealth, etc; people just left them be. We still do that to some degree over many things today. But I digress. My problem is... it wasn't necessary. I just ended up HATING Leander's (this is a slight spoiler) brothers, wondering WHY they'd take it from him when it seems so the opposite of what we were told about them earlier, and it left me feeling like Leander got totally fucked over.
ANYWHO... That choice aside, I thought it was a wonderful book and I was so happy they ended up together. Recommended...even with THAT cover.
The biggest reason I dropped a star, and it'd gonna make me sound silly, is the way everything worked out in the end. I was THRILLED with the HEA, don't get me wrong. But... Okay. I read A LOT of M/M Historicals, majority of them being Regency. In those books, guys gladly lose titles etc because it's necessary for their HEA to work out (so they don't have to marry, produce heirs, etc) but since this was a Timeless Dreams title, there wasn't HUGE drama over their being gay. It wasn't ignored, but it's probably a reality for some guys back then that their friends knew but it wasn't discussed and due to wealth, etc; people just left them be. We still do that to some degree over many things today. But I digress. My problem is... it wasn't necessary. I just ended up HATING Leander's (this is a slight spoiler) brothers, wondering WHY they'd take it from him when it seems so the opposite of what we were told about them earlier, and it left me feeling like Leander got totally fucked over.
ANYWHO... That choice aside, I thought it was a wonderful book and I was so happy they ended up together. Recommended...even with THAT cover.
November 5, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
I enjoyed The Desire for Dearborne a great deal because it knows exactly what kind of book it is and what experience it wants to provide readers and then does just that. When I read a Regency-style romance, there are certain things I want — cutting societal commentary, a strong romance, and a campy villain. The Desire for Dearborne had all of that and more.
I felt like I knew the characters from page one and, while the set up is contrived, it works given the nature of the book. Honestly, I expect the plots of Regency novels to feel somewhat contrived, so it’s an area that doesn’t bother me. Leander and Julien are well suited to one another and they shine as a couple. Their individual scenes are still intriguing, but they work best when together. Leander never feels so naive that he’s being taken advantage of and he makes a strong foil for Julien. There is a fairly decent cast of secondary characters and they round out the story and prevent it from becoming too dark.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
I enjoyed The Desire for Dearborne a great deal because it knows exactly what kind of book it is and what experience it wants to provide readers and then does just that. When I read a Regency-style romance, there are certain things I want — cutting societal commentary, a strong romance, and a campy villain. The Desire for Dearborne had all of that and more.
I felt like I knew the characters from page one and, while the set up is contrived, it works given the nature of the book. Honestly, I expect the plots of Regency novels to feel somewhat contrived, so it’s an area that doesn’t bother me. Leander and Julien are well suited to one another and they shine as a couple. Their individual scenes are still intriguing, but they work best when together. Leander never feels so naive that he’s being taken advantage of and he makes a strong foil for Julien. There is a fairly decent cast of secondary characters and they round out the story and prevent it from becoming too dark.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
November 26, 2012
"The Desire for Dearborne" was an entertaining read, it turned out to be more enjoyable than what I originally thought. What first attracted me was the cover of the book - in which where I thought the art was lovely. What really captured me though was the historical time setting this story was told in. Other things that interested me was how this just didn't focus on gay romance, but society and the ways of society back then and what was expected, and just how coping with society can be difficult (money, status, marriage, sexual orientation, drama, etc.).
This novel tells a story of Leander Mayfield, an American who travels from America to Great Britain, who rightfully claims his title as the Earl of Dearborne after the former earl passed away. Unused to society for various reasons, and having lived with not much money in America - the naive American is faced with challenges with his new status and wealth in society, and soon discovers parts of himself that he never knew existed upon meeting Julien Sutcliffe, the Earl of Blackstone.
This novel tells a story of Leander Mayfield, an American who travels from America to Great Britain, who rightfully claims his title as the Earl of Dearborne after the former earl passed away. Unused to society for various reasons, and having lived with not much money in America - the naive American is faced with challenges with his new status and wealth in society, and soon discovers parts of himself that he never knew existed upon meeting Julien Sutcliffe, the Earl of Blackstone.
October 7, 2015
If you enjoy reading traditional romance books this is a very solid read. I myself enjoyed reading Desire for Dearborne, it takes me back to my early romance reading when I gorged myself on Regency Romances. The story pretty much follows the abcs of romances but the writing keeps you reading. Leander and Julian make a great couple, my only minor complaint is that when you are reading you could switch out the character of Leander for a woman and you really wouldn't need to change much. I really didn't care in this story but some might.
April 20, 2013
My liking of historical romance is growing by each book. I never really was a huge fan of historicals, but it seems that I'm slowing growing more tolerance for it nowadays.
This was a book of well written cliches. The plot was okay, the characters were likable, the romance had me rooting for them (though not with an excess of enthusiasm) but nothing really stands out when I reflect upon it.
It was a good, solid read that probably won't stay with me. The cover is gorgeous though..
This was a book of well written cliches. The plot was okay, the characters were likable, the romance had me rooting for them (though not with an excess of enthusiasm) but nothing really stands out when I reflect upon it.
It was a good, solid read that probably won't stay with me. The cover is gorgeous though..
September 24, 2016
3.5
Well written and above average for the enjoyment I had out of reading it. I loved both main characters, although at the beginning Leander is depicted as a bit too naive.
But my head kept telling me that it isn't believable that at that time so many people would be so accepting of homosexuality, especially because Julien didn't make a secret out of it.
The bad/good guys were too stereotypically bad or good and the last developments look far fetched to me.
Well written and above average for the enjoyment I had out of reading it. I loved both main characters, although at the beginning Leander is depicted as a bit too naive.
But my head kept telling me that it isn't believable that at that time so many people would be so accepting of homosexuality, especially because Julien didn't make a secret out of it.
The bad/good guys were too stereotypically bad or good and the last developments look far fetched to me.
December 7, 2013
Julien and Leander make a sweet pair. I enjoyed their personalities and time together, their connection really worked for me.
Because of that connection I was perplexed by how long Julien took to respond to the situation that came about. Overall, I was always feeling that the story needed a "little something" more for me to truly get into it.
Still an enjoyable read.
Because of that connection I was perplexed by how long Julien took to respond to the situation that came about. Overall, I was always feeling that the story needed a "little something" more for me to truly get into it.
Still an enjoyable read.
April 14, 2012
I want to say something about this book but I'm not quite sure what. I struggled with what to rate it, finally settling on 4.5 rounded up to 5, but I'm not certain of that. I loved it, enjoyed the characters and story and was engrossed. It reminded me of the m/f historical romances I used to read so many of, the good ones. So why my hesitation?
August 1, 2017
Didn't sense any real intellect from the characters. They were boring and could actually be labelled as idiots in love. I found Leander to be super timid and useless. Julien gave me the impression of a male bimbo. The story just didn't work for me. No thrill or excitement. Bleh.
February 28, 2018
Не восхитилась, но и не так чтоб плевалась. Средняя по массе история любви двух английских джентльменов с оттенком голубого. Личность главного антагониста мало того, что сразу угадывается, так еще и напоминает типичного марвеловского злодея, который злой потому что злой. Главный герой слишком идеализированный - светлый, наивный, добрый, непорочный, дни напролет сидит он с книжкой у камина и в особо узких кругах ведет умные разговоры о прекрасном. Болел он часто, поэтому не смог нормально социализироваться, вот и пришлось уму разуму в книгах набираться. Находит он себе не абы какого любовника с сомнительной репутацией, а там и инста лав, и долгие ухаживания, и ночные свидания, и все в таком духе. В какой-то момент пришла мысль, что девкой смотрелся бы органичнее.
August 19, 2025
This was a solid historical romance. The writing was strong, the storyline was engaging, and the characters were easy to root for. The romance was warm and satisfying, and while the plot wasn’t the most elaborate, it held my attention throughout. It wasn’t a new favorite, but it was enjoyable enough that I’d happily pick up more from V.B. Kildaire in the future
January 5, 2015
Two-and-a-half stars. I think both Julien and Leander are interesting characters, the latter perhaps more so than the former. Julien is an archetype I've seen before--a self-possessed aristocrat, tired of society until an ingenue dispels his ennui, etc. He charmed me, but didn't surprise me. Leander, on the other hand, came close. after a lifelong struggle with chronic illness and an overprotective family, he's stronger than most people appreciate. I don't know that his courage and perseverance always appear to best advantage in the novel, but I enjoyed the glimmers of it.
I think if the novel had spent less time on Leander as a fish out of water and then on Leander , I would've been more engaged in the story. The Desire for Dearborne was longer than it needed to be by half and the pace was slow. Despite these complaints, I liked the characters and their dynamic, the writing was fine, and the sex scenes were good. It's a decent bit of fluff, but I'm still looking for a writer whose historical m/m works better for me than this did.
I think if the novel had spent less time on Leander as a fish out of water and then on Leander , I would've been more engaged in the story. The Desire for Dearborne was longer than it needed to be by half and the pace was slow. Despite these complaints, I liked the characters and their dynamic, the writing was fine, and the sex scenes were good. It's a decent bit of fluff, but I'm still looking for a writer whose historical m/m works better for me than this did.
August 23, 2020
The air goes out of this book when the main character is whisked offstage at the height of the action.
That said, I enjoyed all the characters, the plot was fine, if predictable, but the way the American rube in London found friends over their historical studies was enjoyable.
I liked Blackstone better than I usually like the hero type, and he seemed to have a full personality. The titular Dearborne is also surprisingly interesting, considering he would just be the ingenue to be in peril in a lesser book.
However, aside from the derailed pacing and plot issue, the disbelief I had to suspend to imagine someone straight out of Little House on the Prairie coping as an instant Earl was heavy work. I would have liked Dearborne to more obviously have failed at fitting in, and Blackstone to more obviously be an outcast as well.
There's enough here to like, particularly if you don't mind things a little imperfect in construction.
That said, I enjoyed all the characters, the plot was fine, if predictable, but the way the American rube in London found friends over their historical studies was enjoyable.
I liked Blackstone better than I usually like the hero type, and he seemed to have a full personality. The titular Dearborne is also surprisingly interesting, considering he would just be the ingenue to be in peril in a lesser book.
However, aside from the derailed pacing and plot issue, the disbelief I had to suspend to imagine someone straight out of Little House on the Prairie coping as an instant Earl was heavy work. I would have liked Dearborne to more obviously have failed at fitting in, and Blackstone to more obviously be an outcast as well.
There's enough here to like, particularly if you don't mind things a little imperfect in construction.
January 20, 2010
I love romance; I love M/M romance and I love historicals. On all three counts V.B. Kildaire has written a winner. This is an amazing story, and the fact that this is Ms. Kildaire's first really excites me. There is so much promise and so much more to look forward to.
I love Leander and Julien; their openness is what really drew me to them along with the sizzling attraction. They're wonderfully wrought characters, full of life and personality that you can't help but find compelling.
And the secondary and tertiary cast of characters are stellar.
I would be quite content to sit down and re-read V.B. Kildaire's The Desire for Dearborne right now, it's that good!
I love Leander and Julien; their openness is what really drew me to them along with the sizzling attraction. They're wonderfully wrought characters, full of life and personality that you can't help but find compelling.
And the secondary and tertiary cast of characters are stellar.
I would be quite content to sit down and re-read V.B. Kildaire's The Desire for Dearborne right now, it's that good!
September 4, 2009
This was a fun and sweet tale with all the hallmarks of a lovely historical romance. The fact that our heroes were nearly openly gay in a time in which it was a hanging offense was handled well, I thought, and I was relieved to find a happy ending.
Fun read all the way around. Only thing I could knock it for was for having a bad editor who didn't weed out the typos. Other than that, I enjoyed it heartily.
Fun read all the way around. Only thing I could knock it for was for having a bad editor who didn't weed out the typos. Other than that, I enjoyed it heartily.
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