Rating: Summary: Quite annoyed that this does not have 5 stars! Review: I don't often write reviews, but I find myself annoyed that this book is not rated a perfect 5, for I can say without a doubt that it is one of my top ten favortite books. I discovered Connie Brockway, and thus this book, not too long ago. I wish it had been sooner. Connie is a fabulous writer and I've thouroughly enjoyed all of her books. However, As You Desire stands out as the true "masterpiece" of her collective body of work. For a historical romance, its setting in Egypt is rather unique. Brockway also chose to structure the book in a slightly different manner. Normally, a romance is told through the perspectives of both the hero and heroine. However, in this novel, for over a hundred pages, the story is told entirely through Desmonda's eyes. Admittedly, at first I was a bit concerned about this, but when I finally was permitted to enter Harry's mind my breath deserted me, and I completely understood Brockway's descision. It was genius, trust me. As in all Brockway works, the characters have depth and are fully fleshed out. Dizzy is wonderfuly charming and funny, and Harry has integrity and an indefinable, loveable quality. This book actually reminded me a lot of Lisa Kleypas', Dreaming of You (if you haven't read this one either--DO!). Not so much in terms of plot (though there are some very basic similarities), but in terms of the emotions it evoked--intense and sweet. All in all, As You Desire is a fantastic, feel-good, and sensuous romance that gets under your skin and warms your heart. Do yourself a favor and find it!
Rating: Summary: Fast-paced and interesting Review: I have never read this author before, but I will now. It has been a long time since I enjoyed a romance novel, they were all starting to be the same. I was tired of reading the same thing I read 7 years ago. I found this book to be thrilling, wonderful and funny. If you like to be entertained, instead of bored to tears by the usual, buy this book.
Rating: Summary: Oh I wish it could go on some more. Review: I loved this novel. It will probably go down as one of my favorites. I love the two leads in this novel. They were both so interesting and likeable. Harry is such an unconventianal hero. I loved him. I can see why Desdemona did as well. She was absolutely adorable. It was not difficult to see what inspired such love and passion in Harry. Thank you Ms. Brockway for this story. It will always live in my heart and memory.
Rating: Summary: my new favorite romance, ever Review: I picked it up to skim the first page and four hours later I put it down. Slightly tortured, very charming hero, more than a bit like indiana jones and a funny and inteligent heroine you can completely identify with in an unusual setting. There are misunderstandings and unfulfilled desires on both sides but for once they make perfect sense and you completely understand and sympathize. Desdemona is the exact opposite of the silly heroine who loves him but comes up with irritating reasons not to admit it. all the characters are totally real and very sympathetic.you laugh, you cry, but seriously, this is the best romance I have read in a long time and I am picky. I cannot rave enough about it.
Rating: Summary: The Best Romance Novel Out There Review: I read alot of romances and this is the one I keep coming back to when I want to read a romance novel that satisfies on every level. Dizzy and harry are a perfect match for one another, their encounters are funny and warm and romantic. Connie Brockway makes the time and place come alive. I wish someone would make a movie out of this book!!!
Rating: Summary: Humor and adventure-- you can't beat that. Review: I really loved this book from the opening scene with the heroine in melodramatic (and slightly drunken) histrionics to the hero who is part bravado and part insecurity. Brockway has written a fast paced and highly entertaining story that is full of laughter but with just a touch of pathos in its dyslexic hero. A definite keeper.
Rating: Summary: Skip the Book Review: I'm sorry, I have to disagree with all the glowing reviews of this forgettable piece of fluff. This is a novel that you will forget you have read within 24 hours. It is truly a junk read. There were no characters, only marks on the floor where cartoon standins for characters might eventually appear. It had the tone of a "light-hearted romantic comedy" without actually supplying any humor, romance or heart. It had all the depth of a comic book, with less artistry....
Rating: Summary: It's All A Reader Could Desire In A Romance Review: If you love an Indiana Jones-type hero, an intelligent dreamer of a heroine, and a story set in exotic Cairo, this book is for you. 'As You Desire" is indeed a good, funny romp. Harry Braxton and Desdemona Carlisle were in love with each other, but there were several hitches. One, Desdemona oh-so wanted to move to England so that her grandfather could receive a tenure at the Royal Museum. Two, Harry refused to return to England; he was dyslexic and in England he would be treated with pity. So there you go. In came Harry's cousin Blake, who was everything Desdmona wanted in a hero. Only thing was, Harry's always distracting her attempts to fall for Blake. It was a hilarious rollercoaster ride to go through this book, as Harry tries so hard to change Desdemona's mind, and Desdemona trying to forget Harry but failing. These two are reminiscent of Bogard and Bergman; two persons who were friends before lovers. And it is us readers who reap the fun as we watch them fall truly, madly, dizzly in love.
Rating: Summary: It's All A Reader Could Desire In A Romance Review: If you love an Indiana Jones-type hero, an intelligent dreamer of a heroine, and a story set in exotic Cairo, this book is for you. 'As You Desire" is indeed a good, funny romp. Harry Braxton and Desdemona Carlisle were in love with each other, but there were several hitches. One, Desdemona oh-so wanted to move to England so that her grandfather could receive a tenure at the Royal Museum. Two, Harry refused to return to England; he was dyslexic and in England he would be treated with pity. So there you go. In came Harry's cousin Blake, who was everything Desdmona wanted in a hero. Only thing was, Harry's always distracting her attempts to fall for Blake. It was a hilarious rollercoaster ride to go through this book, as Harry tries so hard to change Desdemona's mind, and Desdemona trying to forget Harry but failing. These two are reminiscent of Bogard and Bergman; two persons who were friends before lovers. And it is us readers who reap the fun as we watch them fall truly, madly, dizzly in love.
Rating: Summary: Skip the Book Review: It's 1890 in the Egyptian desert and a perfect setting for a touching romance. Harry Braxton and Desdemona (Dizzy)Carlisle, both from England, have been close friends for five years and neither will admit they are desperately in love with the other. As You Desire is truly the most enjoyable book I have read from page one. The first pages of the book grab you quickly and by page ten, you are swept up in Harry and Dizzy's relationship and laughing and sighing over the fantastic hero, Harry. The first half of the book had me laughing again and again. The synopsis on the back of the book refers to Harry as a notorious rake. I did not see him in this manner. He has a real heart and his character is written well as a very desirable but concientious man. He adores Dizzy but hides from her a problem that he fears would repulse her. Reading the book, I did not understand the seriousness of his problem, but once I finished the book, I read the author's notes at the end of the book and realized that his problem was considered to be very significant in 1890. I suggest that you read the author's notes before beginning the book to understand many of Harry's feelings. Dizzy has thrown herself at Harry three years earlier and he had refused her advances due to her young age and his hidden problem. She was a child genius and is now a talented translator of ancient manuscripts. She is a very likable heroine and is embarassed by her earlier overtures that Harry declined. She longs to return to England someday. Harry and Dizzy enjoy their close friendship. When Harry's handsome cousin comes to visit him from England, he fears Dizzy is slipping away from him and sees her welcoming his cousin's attentions. The romance between Harry and Dizzy develops quickly at this point and it is one of the sweetest I have read. Connie Brockway is a fantastic author and does no formula romance writing. Everything about this book is fresh and unusual. Although I feared some misunderstandings arising towards the middle of the book, this author simply does not write silly misunderstanding between her love leads as we so often see in historical romance novels. Harry and Dizzy are each very hesistant to reach beyond the confines of their friendship. They communicate well and don't get lost in lies. There is a beautiful sensual scene between the two that I would rate about a three (see more about me for these guidelines) but this is a story that does not need additional sensual writing. The action of this book is quick for the first half, then falters for another fourth of the book and then picks back up to deliver a very satisfying ending. This is a book you will probably want to save to read again someday. I read many books each week and find I remember few storylines. This is one story that has stayed with me for months now. It is simply outstanding.
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