Customer Reviews

Beyond Desire (Arabesque)

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

A marriage of convenience. A man driven by the love of his beloved daughter. A man of principal and an unlimited pain threshold. A woman of pride and strength. A small Virginian town and the choices two people make. Only a gifted writer such as Gwynne Forster can literally make words dance on a page. Her gift of weaving sensuous love scence between the heroine and hero without even touching is nothing less than amazing. This is such a heartwarming story of family love, challenges, heartbreak, and joy. The heroine and heo exhibit such a commanding presence of character and dignity that impressed this reviewer to no end.

Beyond Desire was my first encounter with romance. What a wonderful choice. Since that time I have everything Ms. Forester writes. She is such a skilled author. You are never disappointed when you purchase any of her work. I loved the characters in this book. I really was impressed with Amy the little girl. She seemed to seal the relationship with Marcus and Amanda. Amanda was a very intelligent woman with alot going for her. Marcus was smart, but he was really stubborn. I loved his brother too. Can't wait for his story.

You Go Gwynne!

Her dreams apparently died when he left her alone and pregnant, leaving her to thinking some role model she turned out to be. Amanda Ross never expected her lover to desert her. However, he did leave her and she wonders how a single, pregnant woman can accept the job of principal of a junior high school in Caution Point, North Carolina. Her doctor and friend Jacob Graham suggests that she become married to his marital choice, Marcus Hickson, who needs money so his daughter can have needed surgery.

Marcus and Amanda agree to a marriage of convenience that will provide her and her unborn respectability and give him the cash he needs to take care of his daughter. However, living under the same roof breeds attraction and love, emotions neither want. However, even before Marcus and Amanda can fully explore their growing feelings, an assailant abducts her newborn. Not only does he feel he must rescue his beloved stepson, Marcus knows he must overcome his fear of commitment, so that this foursome can find long term happiness as a family together.

By now readers have become obsessed with the incredibly skilled Gwynne Forster, whose relationship romances are constantly among the top novels available to readers. Her latest story, BEYOND DESIRE, takes the trite marriage of convenience theme and against all odds turns it into a brilliant tale of redemption and love. As usual her protagonists are caring, charming, and compassionate. No one on the scene today mixes romance and social issues with more class and finesse than the great Gwynne Forster.

Harriet Klausner

Beyond Desire was my first Gwynne Forster read. It was an excellent choice because I believe I was afforded the opportunity to experience this author at her best...As evidenced by the previous reviews! Ms. Forster goes deep, deep into the very heart of her characters. You not only witness their actions, but you also have a front row seat to the reason WHY they behave the way they do. Amanda and Marcus both have wounded souls. It is an absolute treat to watch them draw ever closer, as their love for each other comes to the surface.

Bravo, Ms. Forster!

Marcus and Amanda are both wonderful people. But they make you want to comfort them and slap some sense into them at the same time. Their bliss is temporarily postponed because of his stubborness and her insecurities. No doubt, Marcus has been hurt badly by ex-wife Helena, who was a poor wife and even worse mother. And the fact that his daughter has suffered serious injuries after a near fatal accident which has left Marcus in a world of debt only makes matters worse. When Marcus reluctantly agrees to pregnant Amanda's solution to his problem, he makes even more trouble for himself. Marcus, determined not to marry again after the way that Helena hurt him, tries not to become attached to Amanda, who's sweetness is not limited to taking care of the needs of his helpless daughter and himself, but also any other living thing that's hurting. But who could blame him for falling in love, although he denies until the very end. Amanda, with a new promotion at work, became pregnant by a man who used her and walked away. Now that Pierce Jr. is dead and Amanda is not married, she faces a dilema. Marcus is the solution to her problem. But what happens when a marriage that was supposed to be in name only turns into something else? Amanda loves Marcus, but is afraid that he does not share that love. And she loves his daughter, and believes that he, near the end, has grown attached to her newborn son. But Amanda does not think that Marcus can love someone like her and has no idea of what kind of power she hhas over him. The two play games with eachother right until the very end. They make the reader want to slap them silly. But in the end things work out, leaving the reader with a satisfied smile.

Loved this book I also wanted to slap their heads together especially Marcus. I can understand his dilemma his es wife really worked a number on him that made have too much pride that he felt bought and stupidly walked and left the best thing that ever happened to him and Amy. Of course things work out in the end but I loved the characters in this book. Luke the supporting brother, rooting for the heroine Amanda, Amy the lovely daughter and Marcus the handsome hero - it took the knocks of life to teach him real beauty in a woman. He admitted the old rich Marcus would not ahve even looked at her (he loved them, fair and willowy in this fickle days). Many of our brothers are like that sad to say....

Ms Forster has done it again. Loved this book to death. Love how Amanda brought that stick in the mud, uptight Marcus to his knees. That's right girlfriend, make him beg! Much love to a great author, please keep up the good work!

This was such a fairytale. Gwynne Forster seemed to put a lot of feeling and passion into this book. Amanda, Marcus, and Amy all seemed like people you knew for years by the time you finished this book. To be in the position that Amanda was in and to find true love is just magnificent.

I've already written a review. (Cassondra) I just want to say that this should be a movie. I'd like to work with the author on the screenplay and casting.

I absolutely adored this enchanting love story!! I've reread it about three times. This novel about love, pride, and sacrifices couldn't have been written by any other writer. Amanda was the most caring and loyal person. Amy and Marcus couldn't have asked for a more sincere, and loving individual in thier lives. I enjoyed the way Marcus attempted to keep Amanda at arms length. However, Amanda's kindness touched him to the very core. Luke was also a very encouraging character in this novel. He seemed to read his brother's mind and actions without uttering a word. Excellent novel!!!! I loveed it. It reminded me of the first one Sealed with a Kiss!! Keep up the good work!!