WHAT ISABELLA DESIRES

Author: Anne Mallory ISBN: 006124239X 8/2007 HISTORICAL Publisher: AVON
Time Period: Regency

The ton would be truly scandalized by... What Isabella Desires Lady Isabella Willoughby has always been patient and proper. But secretly, scandalously, she longs to be wild—to wear daring gowns while dancing the night away. Above all, she craves one thing: To be more than merely a "friend" to Marcus, the dashing, sinfully handsome Lord Roth. Marcus has everything—power, prestige, wealth ... enemies. He thrives on danger and lives life to the fullest knowing each day might be his last, for he carries a dark family secret which precipitates one simple rule—never fall in love. Especially not with dear Bella, who has, of late, transformed herself into a siren, bewitching every male she encounters with her newly unfettered sensuality. Marcus must not allow himself to be tempted—but his resolve is weakening by the minute. For what Isabella desires, she is determined to get ...

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Lovely, emotional, and full of intrigue, WHAT ISABELLA DESIRES is definitely one of my favorite books this year.

This character driven book is full of romantic tension. I love the way Mallory develops her complex hero and the understanding, passionate heroine. Together, the two of them make one fascinating and unforgettable couple. What is more, is that they are also given some equally magnetic friends, and though it's not the best mystery I have read, it does feature a decent, dangerous plot for them all to be involved in.

This is a love story through and through. If I have any complaints regarding the rest of the book, they are overshadowed by my love for the characters. I find I am forgiving of the slightest faux-pas (the heroine wandering out to her carriage alone and not sending a servant to fetch her request, comes to mind) because the hero and heroine are positively brilliant.

Truly, to be so caught up in the romance of unrequited love makes this book memorable.

Shannon Johnson