Desired (G K Hall Large Print Book Series) [Large Print] [Hardcover]

Virginia Henley (Author)

Book Description

Series: G K Hall Large Print Book Series | Publication Date: September 1995

Mesmerized by the dark knight's turquoise gaze, Lady Brianna of Bedford tried to turn away.  After all, she was betrothed to Robert de Beauchamp.  And now this total stranger, Christian Hawksblood, de Beauchamp's bastard brother, claimed her with a soul-searing look.  What was his mystical power that compelled her to abandon herself to this man she dare not even trust...

Christian Hawksblood, Prince and Knight Templar, burned with memories of the beauty he first saw in a vision, clad only in a nimbus of red-gold hair.  Brianna of Bedford was his, ordained by fate.  But first he had to deal with his jealous brother.  And then with Brianna, the innocent temptress who branded him with passion even as she compelled him to listen with his heart...

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Henley's (Enticed) reputation for bold, bawdy storytelling proves itself in this medieval melodrama which plots sex above romance, political intrigue and war. In England's glittering Plantagenet court, described in brilliant detail, 17-year-old orphaned heiress Lady Brianna of Bedford anxiously waits for the king to name her betrothed. Her every romantic fantasy would seem to be fulfilled when the man named is the handsome Robert de Beauchamp?until the even handsomer and more intriguing Christian Hawksblood arrives at court to steal her heart. Christian, whose power over the minds and bodies of others excedes simple charisma, claims his right to the Beauchamp name as the first-born son of Guy de Beauchamp, Earl of Warrick. He is well-received by all but his half-brother; the brothers' story, a single thread among so many others, complicates the tale, but one can't help but read on and hope things sort themselves out, which indeed they do. Although her loyalty should be to Robert, Brianna finds herself irresistibly drawn to Christian and, like others who people this novel, her loyalty is strictly opportunistic. Readers will find themselves intrigued by the adventure, mesmerized by the pageantry and stunned by the book's ribaldry. Doubleday Book Club featured alternate; author tour.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

From the Publisher

Mesmerized by the dark knight's turquoise gaze, Lady Brianna of Bedford tried to turn away. After all, she was betrothed to Robert de Beauchamp. And now this total stranger, Christian Hawksblood, de Beauchamp's bastard brother, claimed her with a soul-searing look. What was his mystical power that compelled her to abandon herself to this man she dare not even trust...

Christian Hawksblood, Prince and Knight Templar, burned with memories of the beauty he first saw in a vision, clad only in a nimbus of red-gold hair. Brianna of Bedford was his, ordained by fate. But first he had to deal with his jealous brother. And then with Brianna, the innocent temptress who branded him with passion even as she compelled him to listen with his heart...

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 674 pages
• Publisher: G K Hall & Co (September 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0783813597
• ISBN-13: 978-0783813592
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,335,080 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

New York Times best-seller Virginia Henley is the author of 26 lush and lusty historical romances and 5 short stories. Her books are published in 16 languages around the world. She is the recipient of a dozen awards including a Lifetime Achievement Award from Romantic Times, A Maggie Award for Excellence from the Georgia Romance Writers, and a Waldenbook Award for top-selling long historical for 1994.

The St. Petersburg Times calls Henley "The Queen of Steamy Romance."

Kathe Robin, RT Book Reviews says: "Henley's gift for bringing remarkable women to life in colorful, turbulent times is what turns her romances into keepers. Henley heats up the pages with her love scenes, and her skill at portraying actual historical personages with humanity while maintaining historical accuracy wins our minds. Henley knows what historical romance is all about and always gives the readers what they want."

Henley says: "My hero is always dark, dominant and dangerous. Then I create a woman who is a match for him...or more than a match!
Men come up to me at conferences and thank me for writing my books. One man said, "I don't read them, but I always know when my wife is reading a Henley!"

My next book The Dark Earl goes on sale September 6 and is the third in the series following The Decadent Duke, and The Irish Duke.

I have just turned two of my backlist books into Kindle ebooks. Wild Hearts and Bold Conquest are historical romances. My novella Hot As Fire, also available on Kindle, is my only contemporary. I have a short story up on Kindle called Letter of Love that is FREE.

Next month I will be offering a new ebook that is a Southern family saga.
MASTER OF PARADISE tells the story of Nicholas Peacock who is disinherited of his title and wealth in England. He sails to Charleston, South Carolina, and starts a cotton plantation just before the Civil War disrupts everyone's life.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Erotic and Intriguing, April 16, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Desired (Paperback)

I actually read this book a couple of years ago, and I find it is one that I have read and re-read. Christian Hawksblood is mesmerizing, and for those who have reviewed this book and found the characters to be "lacking in substance", I highly disagree. This book was not meant to be a tedious lesson in historical accuracy, it was meant to be bold, romantic and erotic. That is why we read romance novels is it not?! Lighten up and get in the spirit of play (and FANTASY!) Women have always loved bad boys with good hearts and bold ways, no matter what the century. And Christian, with his dark skin, raven hair and mesmerizing aquamarine eyes, outspoken ways, and mystic training of the Knights Templar is a perfect "bad boy" with a pure heart.(Complete with scimitar tatoo!) From the moment he boldly calls Brianna HIS lady upon meeting her, despite her betrothal to his brother, you know the sparks of passion are about to ignite. And they do as he teaches her the ways of love, in body AND soul. You know Brianna belongs with this man. Very erotic, beautiful and romantic too. Very Kama Sutra. This was a great book. Highly enjoyable and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a great love story and a hunky, intelligent and intriguing hero!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hot, Hot, Hot....., May 17, 2000

By 

S. J. Aubin "RedHeadDo" (Upstate NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Desired (Paperback)

I'm a new comer to Virginia Henley and love her books. Desired is the 3rd book Of Virginia's that I've read. I found I couldn't put it down. I've read many historical romances and find that she puts some things in hers that is always a surprise. One scene in this story, Christian is fantasizing about Brianna....and well...let's just say that Virginia is VERY creative....and let's face it...if your into historical romances you've read it all. She proved me wrong when I thought no historical author could suprise me.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dark&Dangerous, December 2, 2000

By 

Jordan Summers (AZ United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Desired (Paperback)

I am not one to know what is or is not historically accurate. What I do know is when I love a story. And this particular story I fancy. Maybe it is the description of the dark,dangerous, and sexy hero Hawksblood or maybe it is the fact that Virginia Henley went out on a limb to write two love stories in one book. That alone deserves praise. The sexual tension between the characters is fabulous. And the "magic" that has been applied to the story in the form of visions is helpful in guiding the story along. And the sexual tension is exquisite...not to mention the sex scenes. Keep up the good work.