Title: Lessons of Desire
Author: Madeline Hunter
First published January 1, 2007
367 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780440243946 (ISBN10: 0440243947)
Rating: 3.64
Overview
Madeline Hunter’s Lessons of Desire delves deep into the world of desire and passion, introducing Lord Elliot Rothwell – a man so handsome and charming that he could make any woman weak in the knees. Elliot appears in front of the young and beautiful author, Lila Reynolds, as her knight in shining armor, rescuing her from an unjust arrest.
But as Lila soon discovers, her freedom comes at a cost – she must promise not to publish a book that could ruin Elliot’s family name. However, Elliot’s demands quickly turn to seduction as he finds himself irresistibly drawn to Lila.
With every steamy encounter, their attraction grows stronger, and Elliot becomes increasingly reluctant to let Lila go. In Lessons of Desire, Hunter explores the power of lust and love, and the consequences of giving in to our deepest desires.
About the Author
Madeline Hunter is an accomplished author of historical romances, with a loyal following across the nation. She resides in Pennsylvania with her loving family, including her devoted husband and two sons.
Madeline’s writing has been celebrated with two prestigious RITA awards and seven nominations, and her work has garnered high praise from Publishers Weekly, earning three starred reviews. In addition to her career as a novelist, Madeline holds a Ph.D. in art history and shares her passion for the subject as a professor at a university on the East Coast.
Editoral Review
Madeline Hunter’s Lessons of Desire is a must-read for fans of historical romance novels. Published in 2007, the book tells the story of Lady Charlotte Lindsey, a young widow who lives a scandalous life of seduction and seeks to leave her past behind.
However, her plans change when she becomes the focus of an unscrupulous rake who threatens to destroy her reputation. Hunter, a bestselling author known for her Regency-era romances, elegantly creates a world of opulent balls, ritzy country estates, and intricate social hierarchies.
She skillfully captures the essence of the era with her vivid descriptions of clothing, manners, and customs. The main characters, Charlotte and the charmingly aloof Lord Marcus Denning, are both complex and multifaceted.
Charlotte’s fierce determination to regain control of her life and reputation is admirable. Her independence is both refreshing and ahead of its time, given the societal expectations of women at the time.
Marcus, meanwhile, is a brooding enigma, hiding secrets that threaten to come to light. The book is not without its flaws.
At times, the plot feels a bit convoluted, and some of the characters’ actions and motivations feel contrived. However, these minor missteps do not detract from the overall quality of the novel.
Lessons of Desire also touches on themes that are still relevant today, such as the consequences of reputation damage and the importance of personal agency. The book’s portrayal of love as a powerful force that transcends social class and station is both heartwarming and inspiring.
In conclusion, Lessons of Desire is a beautifully written historical romance that will transport readers to another era. Hunter’s elegant prose, well-drawn characters, and engaging story make this book a must-read for fans of the genre.
While not perfect, the book’s many strengths outweigh its minor weaknesses. We highly recommend it to anyone looking for a compelling and romantic tale set in Regency England.
