Customer Reviews

Desire Never Dies

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4 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

Desire Never Dies certainly met all of my expectations! This book is the second in Jenna's Lady Spies trilogy that has been dubbed 'Charlie's Angels, but in Empire waists'.

Here's a blurb: **Shy, intelligent widow Anastasia Whittig is really a Lady Spy in name only. Though she invents important items and decodes evidence, she's hardly ventured into the field and keeps herself wrapped in a shroud of mourning for her late husband. She's perfectly content to continue her sheltered life, but when one of her best friend's is shot, she's forced into service at the side of Lucas Tyler.

**Lucas is a daring, talented spy, driven to solve the case of attacks on his fellow agents. He doesn't want any help, and certainly not from Ana. But as the two edge ever closer to the disturbing truth, they cannot keep from developing a grudging respect for each other. And they cannot ignore the undeniable desire that threatens to change both their worlds.

First off, let me say that the title Desire Never Dies is perfect. There is plenty of desire in this book, as Jenna Petersen is famous for writing. Ana and Lucas try to fight the attraction and desire, to keep their relationship strictly professional, but eventually give in...and when they do, it is amazing! To watch Ana, who had known love with her husband, come out of her shell of grief and find love again with Lucas was extremely emotionally satisfying. This book is rich with sizzling tension and heart-wrenching emotion. If you liked From London With Love (Meredith and Tristan's story), you'll love Desire Never Dies!

`Desire Never Dies' by Jenna Petersen is a historical spy novel (my favorite). Lady M starts an organization for lady spies. Anastasia is a widow who loved her husband and enjoys being behind the scenes in the spy business. She is shoved into fieldwork with Lucas Tyler master spy. Lot of adventure, romance and mystery.

Check out the whole Lady Spies series, From London With Love (Book 1) & Seduction Is Forever (Book 3 due out October 2007). If you enjoy this genre, I would also check out The Lady Lies, The Lady Killer and The Lady's Code by Samantha Saxon.

Lady Anastasia Whittig had been devastated by her husband Gilbert's death and five years later was still wrapped up in mourning. However, no one would ever suspect that this shy retiring widow was working undercover for the crown as one of a trio of Lady spies. Well, perhaps not actually spying per se, but more than content by keeping herself busy breaking codes and inventing gadgets to help her two best friends who were out in the field. It was a perfect fit for Ana until her sister-spy was shot and she impulsively jumped in to pick up the case with Emily's arrogant partner Lucas Tyler.

Lucas wasn't happy to see the partner who'd been forced upon him shot, but secretly was happy that he could again work alone. This case was too personal for him and he didn't want or need any help, certainly not from the little virago who was in his face for letting Emily get shot. In spite of himself Lucas came to admire Ana's intelligence and pluck. Before she knew it, Ana was discovering that desire had not died with her beloved husband as she gave in to the undeniable attraction for Lucas that threatened to implode her once safe little world.

*** Jenna Peterson's scores big in the second book of her Lady Spies trilogy with an exciting romance showcasing an unconventional heroine who proves the theory that `still waters do run deep'. I can always tell from the very first pages whether I am going to like a book and I knew immediately I would love this one. The heroine Ana had been quite content to stay in the background creating her own little world while planning to mourn forever the only man she would ever love. In developing Ana, the author delved deep in showing how shattered she was with immense guilt over her feeling such a physical overpowering lust for Lucas after swearing to herself she would never love again. Ana's metamorphous into a diva was like watching a caterpillar burst forth into a magnificent butterfly. Lucas was divine, a hero after my own heart and his seduction of Ana simply made me curl up my toes. I wanted to stand up and cheer when Ana finally accepted her sensuality and began to shed her inhibitions demanding `more' and totally rocking HIS world. As far as the mystery of who was behind the attacks against the agents - I had pretty much figured out the "who" well before the conclusion. Never the less the author delivered a fast paced, well-written, emotional and sinfully steamy read that was immensely enjoyable throughout and has certainly whetted my appetite to see what the author has in mind for the final book in her Lady Super Spies!

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

Lady Anastasia Whittig is a spy. Ana does not go out in the field though, she is an expert at breaking codes and inventing tools for her fellow lady spies. While working on an invention one night her friend and fellow spy, Lady Emily Redgrave, is brought to the house after she has been shot. When Lucas Tyler arrives, Ana discovers that Emily was supposed to be working alongside him in an investigation. Charles Isley is the man the ladies report to and he decides that Ana could take Emily's place and work with Lucas now. Ana is very reserved. Even more so since her husband's death several years ago, so the idea of working in the field is unnerving to her, but she agrees for Emily's sake. Lucas is very skeptical of Ana's abilities, but he is also strongly attracted to her. Knowing he has no choice, he agrees to work with her.

Things are going rather smoothly between Lucas and Ana until an unexpected event makes them much closer than partners. While Ana and Lucas struggle with their growing feelings for each other, Ana begins to suspect that the danger is coming from a source close to Lucas. Lucas doubts Ana though, and his doubt could cause her death.

The romance and intrigue in Desire Never Dies keep the pages sizzling with passion and mystery. Ms. Petersen did a wonderful job portraying the character's emotions; especially Ana's who's feelings range from heart wrenching to joyous. Lucas is handsome, valiant and charming, it's a devastating combination! Desire Never Dies is a lovely story that captivated me with a thrilling mystery and a tender romance.

Nannette
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

Loosely based on the structure of Charlie's Angels, the lady spies work undercover and expose traitors and their hearts in the process. Desire Never Dies focuses on Lady Anatasia Whittig, the scientific spy who normally works behind the scenes. When Lady Emily Allington arrives at Ana's house, having been shot, Ana's world is turned upside down. Ana fears she will lose her friend as she has so many others. Even worse, she has been assigned to replace Emily in a case to discover the culprit behind the repeated attacks on England's spy network. Ana is the brains behind the Lady Spy network. She breaks codes, invents aids and devices, and does research but she has never been in the field before. Even worse, the master spy Lucas Taylor is none to happy to be partnered with such an inexperienced woman and he does not hesitate to remind Ana of her deficiencies. Together Ana and Lucas must find and expose the traitor responsible for the repeated attacks on England's greater spy network.

Petersen's memorable characters draw the reader into the story. Ana is intelligent, confident of her skills and yet timid and introverted. She had been the wallflower in society and yet found love with her now deceased husband. Even after 5 years, she wears the widow's black clothing...until her duties require her to play the role of Lucas' fiancee in order to maintain their cover. The seductive Lucas Tyler has left a string of women behind him. He has no difficulty keeping his private feelings separate from his spy tasks...until circumstances force him to partner with Ana. Is Lucas' well-created cover only to avoid detection as a spy or has he found a means to seduce the hesitant Lady Ana?

Petersen's characterization drives this Regency historical romance. The beautifully written imagery and fine details draw the reader into the time period. Although the reader may be likely to figure out the identity of the culprit, that knowledge in no way disappoints. The real fun is watching how Ana convinces Lucas to follow her lead and how Ana steps out from her seclusion. The romance scenes are both tender and passionate. The character's retorts, the crazy circumstances forced by their cover, and the friendship between the lady spies --- all make this novel well worth the read! I was drawn into Ana's character in a more personal way beyond my love of the first Petersen Lady Spy romance.

Could it get any better? Yes! Jenna Petterson delights her fans with this next installment of The Lady Spies Series! The beautiful and shy Lady Anastasia Whittig is only too happy to stay at home and be the infamous code breaker of the Lady Spies team. It has been five years since Gerald's death and Ana still wears black and misses her childhood sweetheart, first and only love. But when Emily is shot in the line of duty while on assignment, it is up to Ana to step up and take her place. Now her training will be put to the test and is complicated when she discovers her partner is to be the handsome spymaster Lucas Tyler. Lucas brings out uncomfortable desires Ana never had with Gerald. Little does Ana realize that Lucus is extremely attracted to Ana and when circumstances of the case cause them to arrange a fake engagement, real passions flare and they are forced into a speedy marriage. Marriage complicates issues for them both, as Lucas believes Ana still loves Gerald and Ana believes the best friend of Lucas may be involved in the murders of government agents, including the shooting of Emily. Tensions and suspicions build as the treasonous insider is revealed and Ana and Lucus discover they make a successful team in more ways than working together as field agents. Another sensual regency era spy adventure with plot twists and turns that keep the reader riveted to the page.

Anatasia Whittig is a Lady Spy, but she prefers to invent important gadgets or encodes important documents. But when her best friend and fellow Lady Spy is wounded on active duty, she has to take over her place in the investigation. Now she has to work together with the charismatic Lucas Tyler, who isn't very pleased to work together with Ana. He wants to find the traitor who is responsible of the sometimes deadly attacks on his fellow agents and he doesn't see how an untried spy, even a cute own like Ana, could help him with his investigation, especially when his attraction to her distracts him immensely. Soon not only their lives are in danger but also their hearts.

Ms. Petersen created with DESIRE NEVER DIES as well as the whole Lady Spies trilogy a fantastic and refreshingly different book/trilogy, just think of Charlie's Angels in Regency times.

Anastasia Whittig is a very shy person, who prefers to work in the background instead of in the field, but she undergoes quite a change in the development of the story. She changes from a shy, gray mouse to a brave lioness that will do everything to safe the man she loves. But before she can make this change and open her heart to Lucas she must forget the past.

Lucas Tyler is a dominant man, who has his difficulties with Ana. He is determined to find the traitor, but he can't deny his distraction to Ana, nor can he fully understand the why, because she isn't his type.

What the two doesn't know are that they are only whole when they are together and that in the end, they have to work together to destroy the evil.

This reviewer recommends the reading of From London with Love prior reading DESIRE NEVER DIES. You will also want to keep your eyes open for Seduction is forever, the last book in the Lady Spies trilogy, which will be released in October 2007.

This reviewer can highly recommend DESIRE NEVER DIES because it is a really fantastic historical novel, with unusual characters, that will keep you captivated from the first page onward. [...]

Amazon reviews can be difficult to determine if a book is really worth the price... so many of the good romances I have read have recieved 3 stars that when I came in search of a new read it seemed a daunting task to pick something good.

THIS SERIES DID NOT DISAPPOINT!

If you are looking/needing a new series to start...don't hesitate to go with this one.

I know another review talked about "Oh No. Not more lady spies..." I can't say I have read any lady spy books- and even then I would have to say these are surely some of the best written in the genre.

The first chapter had me hooked, but as I continued to read, I slowly lost interest. This is yet another one of those historical romances with spies! But the gist this time is that women are the spies. I give Peterson kudos for that aspect and that of our heroine Ana who after 5 years still pines over her husband who is dead. YIPPY... no nasty first husband cliché here.
But when Ana's good friend Emily, another spy (who had a horrible first marriage) is shot, Ana recommends herself to take over the case and she comes in contact with the first man after her "paragon" husband who makes her all tingly inside. Lucas is that scrumptious hero who is at odds with our heroine, but their distain for each other turns into more enjoyable things, like rolling around in the garden, yes during a ton party and they get caught. They were pretending to be engaged after all so that can catch the horrible criminal responsible for shooting off all the spies. And after all, they must do the right thing after all. But Lucas doesn't mind because he really does want Ana as his wife.
I did feel for Lucas who falls for Ana first but since Ana can't get over dead husband, Lucas doesn't know what to do. He wants to own her body and soul! Ana just likes his kisses.
This should seem like a good book overall, but there was something missing. The chemistry between the two lovers isn't as hot and all consuming as it should be and the villain of the piece can be figured out very soon.
If you want a nice popcorn type romance, this is the best bet. But please, this whole on-going routine about lady and lords becoming spies is getting ridiculous.
Look for Lady Emily's spy story to come after this one.

Kateiabs

From London With Love
Seduction Is Forever

In 1813 Emily Redgrave arrives at the home of her best friend widow Anastasia Whittig, but not on a social call; Emily was shot while working as a spy for the king. Anastasia, her fellow agent, sends for the doctor and their handler Charles "Charlie" Isley. Emily, barely able to whisper, tells Ana it was a trap while her host knows full well her severely injured friend might not make it through the night.

Though recruited five years earlier, the timid Ana is assigned to uncover the identity of the counterspy who harmed Emily before this rogue causes more trouble. Notorious rake Lucas Tyler is assigned as her partner on this endeavor. He doubts female spies with no filed experience and even less confidence are capable of performing the mission; she thinks he is too full of himself, his pleasures and his loyalty to see the truth that his friend wheelchair bound Henry is either indirectly behind or the mastermind causing the deaths of agents even as they fall in love.

The sequel to FROM LONDON WITH LOVE, DESIRE NEVER DIES, is a fun Regency romantic espionage thriller starring a wonderful heroine who knows she is the best at breaking codes, but believes she is the worst at relationships as she assumes men detest her meekness. Lucas is more stereotypical of the dashing hero, but the refreshing Ana breaks him out of the historical hunk type-casting. The villain lacks depth as his motives seem off kilter and the twist associated with him is a bit of a shocker to everyone except Ana, but subtracts rather than enhances a wonderful Charlie's Angels in Regency England tale.

Harriet Klausner