The Book of True Desires [Paperback]

Betina Krahn (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 29, 2006

To get funding for her first expedition, Cordelia Blackburn finds herself searching for three Mayan stone carvings and something known as "the gift of the jaguar"-accompanied by her grandfather's arrogant butler. But as the trail leads them across the Caribbean and into Mexico, she learns that Hartford Goodnight is far more than just a butler. Soon the pair is hip deep in danger and desire-trying to keep the sparks between them from setting the rainforest ablaze.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

*Starred Review* Cordelia O'Keefe hoped to convince her wealthy grandfather, Samuel P. Blackburn, to provide the financial backing for her latest expedition, but Blackburn insists that Cordelia first find the "Gift of the Jaguar" for him. So she agrees to track down the three Mayan carvings that are thought to be the key to locating a legendary treasure hidden somewhere in Mexico. It turns out though that Blackburn isn't through with his demands. Not only does he insist on sending his British butler, Hartford Goodnight, on the expedition as his representative, but he also gives Hartford complete control of all travel funds. The last person Cordelia wants trekking with her through the dangerous jungles is a stuffy, sarcastic, and always superior servant like Hartford, but it turns out that the annoying, sexy Hartford is surprisingly resourceful, too. A delightfully sharp-tongued heroine matches wits and wiles with an equally stubborn hero in the latest of Krahn's imaginative late-Victorian historical romances. Laced with a generous dash of humor and expertly spiced with plenty of action and adventure, The Book of True Desires is simply superb. John Charles
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Jove (August 29, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0515141704
• ISBN-13: 978-0515141702
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 4.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,665,995 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Adventure, romance, history!, September 21, 2006

By 

Diana (SILVER SPRING, Moldova, Republic of) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Book of True Desires (Paperback)

In an industry where too often the "historical" part of historical romance means people wear fancy clothes, Betina Krahn's lush novels break every mold. Every page of this book is steeped in the kind of historical realism that adds so much to the story -- breathtaking escapes from Cuba on the boat of a gun runner, sumptuous evening in Floridian resorts, interesting tidbits about mapmaking, archaeology, early pharmaceuticals... the author has clearly done her research.

Fans of romantic adventures from Indiana Jones to The Mummy and Romancing the Stone will love this page turner. These characters aren't the type to hang out in drawing rooms or on ballroom floors. Not when there is treasure to be found or scientific discoveries to unearth.

And the characters! Raise your hand if you've had enough of the same old rakes and debutantes. In The Book of True Desires, you have an established adventuress heroine, a woman who is not afraid to go after what she wants (as long as she's got her gun loaded) and yet still appreciates the finer things in life. I admired Cordelia immesely -- her bravery, determination. She was not one of those heroines to whom "spunkiness" is given lip service and little more. She was a strong and fascinating woman.

And in Hartford Goodnight, she definitely finds her match. though at first he seems like a staid and uptight *butler*, this is one hero who only gets more interesting and attractive as you peel away the layers. Rest assured, there is MUCH more here than meets the eye, as Cordelia learns to devastating effect. Not exactly mistaken identity, more like a classic example of defying expectations. I think I fell for Goodnight a little bit too. His regular journal entries scattered throughout the book were a fabulous touch.

Their romance unfolds naturally, with none of the silly misunderstandings and squabbles so prevalent in other love stories. These are two people with real obstacles to overcome, and their tale is gorgeous and exciting. Don't miss this book. This was my first Betina Krahn, but it's certainly not my last.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific Romantic Adventure, October 11, 2006

By 

M. Rondeau (West Springfield, MA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Book of True Desires (Paperback)

Cordelia O'Keefe was a most remarkable woman determined to live her life her way and gaining the respect due an intrepid explorer regardless of the fact of her sex. She needed funding for her latest expedition to Africa and went to an unlikely source - a tight-fisted curmudgeon millionaire Samuel P. Blackburn, who was unaware of her existence as his granddaughter. Not convinced, he reluctantly would fund her expedition but with a different destination in mind. Rather than Africa she would set out for the Mexican Mayan ruins and discover the truth behind some stone carving rubbings he'd obtained referencing the "Gift of the Jaguar". BUT with one other caveat, she would not be going alone, but would take Hardacre's `agent' to accompany her - his impertinent and arrogant butler -- Hartford Goodnight.

*** Betina Krahn has consistently come up with some original and uproariously funny stories and in this fully robust entry you'll find no exception. Similar in tone to that of `The Raiders of the Lost Ark' the excitement and adventure is non-stop with well-drawn characters, thrilling escapes, battles at sea and a dangerous trek through the jungles including poisonous snakes, a mysterious jaguar, and the vilest of villains hot on their trail.

Cordelia is a fabulous heroine, strong, competent, completely convinced of her own self-worth and is not looking for romance although she suspects that there is more to Hartford Goodnight than meets the eye. In spite of him being a sardonic contrary, priggish, inept British domestic he could also kiss like the very devil and his amazingly trim body seemed to set her on fire! Neither was looking for love, but since when does love ask for permission to happen.

Witty dialogues abound from the cheeky one-liners coming from Hart, judiciously sprinkled throughout the text, as well as some of his very clever telling and amusing journal entries. Add to this a cast of quirky and engaging well-drawn characters, including Rita the pregnant `eat anything in her path' donkey and you are sure to enjoy and relish Krahn's latest fabulously adventuresome romantic tale and discover the true `Gift of the Jaguar'.

Marilyn Rondeau - RIO - Reviewers International Organization
Courtesy of [...].

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars funny & witty, June 5, 2008

By 

Sri Carapiet "bookworm" (NoVa) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Book of True Desires (Paperback)

This book is funny and filled with giggle worthy witty dialogues. I especially loved reading Hart's journal entry. I think it's refreshing to read a historical novel with a heroine who's confident, adventurous, and crafty. The hero is a bit uptight so the heroine is a perfect character to loosen him up some. It's a very satisfying read for me.