Customer Reviews

Desires of a Perfect Lady

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

 

 

THEY WERE YOUNG LOVERS SEPARATED BY FATE, LIES AND FOOLISHNESS...

He had loved her once...
And she him.

Sterling Harrington met the beautiful Olivia at a London ball and they both fell in love almost instantly. Passion burned brightly for the young couple and their love seemed so strong and true and wonderful that they were sure it was meant to last forever...

They pledged their hearts.

They planned to be married.

They planned to grow old together.

Unfortunately, life--in the form of harsh family secrets, a father's shameful lies and the contemptible wishes of a loathsome, covetous Viscount--had other plans in store for them.

On the brink of announcing their engagement Olivia learns her father has promised her to the wealthy antiquities collector, Viscount Rathbourne, and their marriage must take place immediately.

And Sterling is stunned and devastated when Olivia's father tells him that his daughter doesn't love him, and has decided to marry someone else, someone much wealthier. He foolishly believes Lord Newberry lies, and as a man of pride, refuses to fight for a woman who does not return his love.

But his failure to challenge Lord Newberry's words causes Sterling to make the greatest mistake of his life... Because Olivia did indeed love him, and she expected the love of her life to come and save her when she so desperately needed him... but he never did.

Now 10 years later, her vile husband has been murdered and with his killer still on the loose, Olivia's father thinks her life--as Rathbourne's heir--may be in danger too. Admitting his past deception, an ailing Lord Newberry begs Sterling to rescue his daughter, reminding him that he failed to save her once. Sterling reluctantly agrees to go speak with her, but isn't sure about what he can do to help.

"Sterling's heart twisted the moment Olivia stepped into the room. Livy..."

It's clear from his reaction the moment he sees Olivia that he still loves her...

"There was an air of subtle strength about her, as if she had faced adversity and survived."

And when Sterling recognizes the woman Olivia's become and what she's been through, we know this time--this man--will do whatever it takes to save her. And we know, as well, he'll never fail this woman, the woman he loves... ever again.

*****

I thought Victoria Alexander's latest novel Desires of a Perfect Lady, the second story about the charismatic and adventurous Harrington brothers, was absolutely fabulous! Ms. Alexander shines again by delivering to historical romance readers a brightly optimistic and wonderfully romantic tale of lovers reunited, that's neatly blended with an exciting, high-stakes treasure-hunt-adventure story. With Ms. Alexander's smooth writing, polished prose, talent for brisk dialogue and witty banter, and marvelous storytelling abilities she effortlessly captures her reader's imaginations as she pulls us into the story and takes us--along with her delightfully charming characters--on a captivating and intriguing expedition from the drawing rooms of London to Egypt and Italy and back. The daring journey abroad provides us with refreshing settings and some lively exploits that allow Olivia and Sterling an appropriate amount of time to complete their complex treasure quest, fulfill the difficult stipulations of Lord Rathbourne's will, and help Olivia regain her rightful inheritance, and more importantly, her well-deserved freedom. And their time spent together also inspires exploration of a more sensual nature... and the reawakening of their earlier feelings of attraction, desire... and love.


Sterling Harrington, Earl of Wyldewood, is a good man and a very charming, likeable guy, even if--at times he acts the stiff, stodgy and boring Earl too well. But we know Olivia really does still love him--for the good-natured boy he was and the appealing, mature man she sees he's become--even if she's a little afraid to completely trust him with her heart again. But his failure to act--and at least try to fight for the woman he supposedly loved--made him seem a little less than heroic. So to my mind, Sterling still needed some `redeeming' to make Olivia--and ME--happy.

First he needed to prove that he truly loved Olivia and would never ever fail her so thoughtlessly and unforgivably again ... and of course, he needed to grovel very humbly, and very prettily too because I wanted it ALL. I felt that as the story unfolded--the author succeeded in showing readers all of Sterling's many favorable qualities vs. his flaws, while at the same time allowing us to clearly see how the good ones far outweighed the bad. We saw his care for his family, for his mother's happiness, and also his kindness toward Josiah--how he treated the younger man as an equal--when he could easily have crushed his rival for Olivia's affections, as Rathbourne would have done. We also saw Sterling experience very positive personal growth as he learned things about himself he didn't know, while traveling on their adventures, and how he came to enjoy their exploits much to his own surprise and satisfaction. By the end Sterling was redeemed and transformed into a steadfast, committed and supportive mate--and eminently desirable hero.


I thought Olivia Rathbourne was a superb heroine, she was good and kind and loving, and yet, a very strong, determined woman and a real survivor--and she was genuinely easy to love and empathize with. I understood her desire for independence. Since all the men in her life had failed her, it was understandable that she didn't want to depend on anyone--especially a man--anymore, and with Rathbourne's death she thinks she'll finally have to opportunity to live her own life. But when the stipulations of the will are read she's forced to realize Rathbourne was deviously determined to have his Machiavellian influence on her life extend even from the grave. Though, he underestimated his wife's resolve because Olivia's going to fight to and gain control of everything she's due... her money and comfortable lifestyle, her rightful place in society, her choice of friends; and once and for all, the freedom to choose her own course for the rest of her life.


I found Desires of a Perfect Lady to be a deeply tender and poignant story, yet one that's very emotionally uplifting and hopeful, as well. It combined the realistic touches of sadness and regret that `lovers parted' stories often evoke, and also revealed the terrible heart-tugging distress and pain Olivia--and women of her time--were forced to suffer in unwanted marriages or at the hands of a cruel husband. Yet the story also showed us the genuine pleasure, passion and fulfillment Olivia and Sterling experienced by being together again, and as they worked through past misunderstandings and unfortunate mistakes to rediscover theirs was a true and everlasting love. By the end of the book I was sure Sterling and Olivia were meant to be together and I was overjoyed that these two gentle lovers were finally--blissfully--reunited in mind, and body, and soul.

This book's a sure winner--and NO ONE who enjoys `lovers re-united' stories should fail to fall in love with Sterling and Olivia's heartwarming tale.

Also recommended The Perfect Wife and The Virgin's Secret And any of Victoria Alexander's Effington Series or Last Man Standing Series.

Ten year ago Lady Olivia "Livy" Newbury thought she would wed Sterling Harrington, the Earl of Wyldewood. But then she had been forced to marry Viscount Rathbourne, a cruel man and avid collector of rare treasures. It was well known that Rathbourne's artifacts were not always obtained legally and he never let anyone view his hidden collections.

After ten years of abuse and basically kept as a prisoner, Livy has a chance at freedom. Someone has finally murdered Viscount Rathbourne. But the viscount has devised a way to control Livy even from his grave. His will stipulates that Livy may continue on as always, living off a minimal allowance to be allotted by a solicitor, or she may embark on a quest to acquire three specific treasures that he had been unable to acquire.

Sterling had been told by Olivia's father that she had changed her mind about marrying him, would wed Rathbourne, and wanted nothing more to do with him. The earl had been so hurt that he never stopped to wonder about Olivia's sudden change of heart and he ignored the three letters Livy sent to him shortly thereafter. But with the manner of Rathbourne's death, her father fears for Livy's life and goes to confess his lies to Sterling and begs him to help Olivia. Only then does Sterling realize that those three letters had been Livy's pleas for help. After reading them, Sterling understands how much he failed Olivia. So when Olivia asks for his aid in locating and retrieving three treasures, Sterling sees an opportunity to win her forgiveness and then her heart.

**** FOUR STARS! The character of Sterling takes all his responsibilities very seriously. That usually makes for a dull personality and a boring read; however, the author refuses to let the hero remain stodgy. To that end, a strong and adventurous heroine is needed and many readers will be able to relate to Olivia. After years of living in a horrible marriage, Livy wants what any female would - freedom. I could easily picture Olivia's excitement at the prospect of being independent only to have the rug virtually pulled out from under her. Sterling and Olivia will travel during their quest, giving readers a glimpse of two exotic locations. Interesting sub-plots keep the story flowing at a steady pace and adds a bit of danger to the story for extra flavor. Well done! ****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

I enjoyed "Desires of a Perfect Lady" quite a bit, although it was entirely an impulse purchase. I did not realize that the books was part of a series until the end but it stands alone well.

Sterling and Olivia are fun characters and I very much liked seeing Sterling transform from his stuffy self into a carpe-diem-adventuring-seeking peer of the realm. The relationship was realistic and well-paced. I did think parts of Olivia's history could have been fleshed out a little more to add more of a backstory, but that's a minor critique.

One definite "plus" for me was the existence of some very strong female characters who took control of their own lives and destinies. Sterling's mother, for one, is a hoot. My favorite historical romances are the ones that manages not to offend my modern feminism and "Desires of a Perfect Lady" met that criterion.

Recommendation: Read it outside of a warm afternoon and enjoy!

Lady Olivia Rathbourne has had time to think and make a list. A list of three things that she wants to do in life. These desires are secret - after all, she is the perfect lady. Or so everyone thinks. Yearnings fill Olivia and the biggest one of all? Her desire for Sterling Harrington, the Earl of Wyldewood has just grown in the ten years they have been apart. There is only one problem - Sterling refuses to believe that the Olivia he once knew, the Olivia who swore to be with him forever, is the same Olivia who married another man moments away from marrying him. Olivia and Sterling both have issues to come clean about - the desire they feel for each other hasn't smoldered in the years they have been apart - they have been kept alive and burning in their hearts.

Victoria Alexander focused on emotions and a bit of turmoil with Desires of a Perfect Lady. Olivia, as a gentlewoman, had no choice but to marry who her father wanted her to marry. Sterling, being the one thrown over, refuses to believe that she would have tried to stall her wedding so that he could rescue her. Mishaps, unrequited love, and secrets force these two enigmatic characters to finally stop and take a look around at their lives and come to the conclusion that without the other, their life means nothing.

Victoria Alexander continues to release emotional, gripping, and very well told historical romances that continue to hold my attention, grip my heart and make me smile! Desires of a Perfect Lady was excellent - Victoria Alexander's releases, no matter the plot, are always keepers!

Natalie S.

Viscountess Olivia Rathbourne and Sterling Harrington were once young and hopelessly in love. Just before the announcement of their engagement, Sterling was approached by Olivia's father with news that she no longer loved Sterling and was to marry a wealthy antiques collector instead. Heartbroken, Sterling banishes Olivia from his life...but never from his thoughts!

Olivia has been trapped in a cruel and unhappy marriage for the past ten years. She was promised to the vile Viscount Rathbourne by her father who harbored a dark secret that would be made public if he did not `give' Olivia to the Viscount. She attempted to contact Sterling in the hopes that he would rescue her, but her letters went ignored.

Now, ten years later, her husband was found brutally murdered and the killer is still on the loose. Worried for her safety, Lord Newbury (Olivia's father) visits Sterling asking for his help in protecting Olivia. Sterling, not realizing that her marriage was a sham all along, was reluctant but finally agreed. After being estranged for ten years, their initial reunion was polite yet cold and distant.

Olivia only desires two things: the first is to bed Sterling one last time and close that chapter of her life once & for all and the second is to be independent and truly free. In order for her to be independent though, she must collect the inheritance that is rightfully hers. What she did not anticipate was that even from beyond the grave her husband maintains control of her purse strings. She must fulfill three difficult tasks in order to be given her inheritance and she must seek help from Sterling to accomplish this.

I'm a bit torn as to how I feel about this book. There were some qualities that I liked and some that I didn't like. Pros first! I found the characters likable and endearing. Once Sterling realized that letting Olivia go was his biggest mistake, he really made an effort to win her back. He vowed to no longer be the stiff, stodgy and dull Earl but rather to be charming and pleasant, which he was. Olivia no longer trusted men, and who could blame her, so she focused her energies on being strong and independent. She never expected her old feelings for Sterling to come surging back. The dynamic between these two characters was enjoyable to read.

The plot was also intriguing. Her deceased husband sends her on a scavenger hunt to collect and retrieve three ancient artifacts in order for her to receive her inheritance. The only real flaw with the plot is that these artifacts should have been nearly impossible to retrieve and they had a rather easy time of it.

As for the cons, I found the synopsis to be a bit misleading. The synopsis implies that Olivia's ultimate goal is to get Sterling in her bed. However, in reading their story it seems that it was more about Sterling trying to win Olivia's heart back while she tried to gain some semblance of freedom. She did attempt to get him into her bed, but her attempts seemed half-hearted and weak. My other concern with the story is that the mystery of her husband's killer remains unsolved. I want to know "who-dun-it".

Awsome book. This is the second book to The Virgin's Secretes. I suggest you read the first book also.

She has done it again. Another great book by Victoria Alexander. I love most all of her books. This one was no exception. Great book to snuggle up by the fire and read or by the pool in a lawn chair. Hope you like this as much as I did.

At one glance, this books' cover is gorgeous. Second glance, it's written by a wonderful author. I love Victoria Alexander. I even read some of the reviews of it here on Amazon and was so very excited to receive it in the mail when it arrived. Couldn't wait to start reading it.

As always, I try to give each book a chance. As my own personal rule, even if a book is terrible, I give it a chance and read to page 50 no matter what, in the hopes of the story to get better. This was one such time. I even read to page 53 hoping that the story wouldn't be so boring and sound just like every other historical romance. That this book would catch my attention and run with it.

The lady character, Olivia, was in a bad marriage. Her husband unexpectedly is murdered and now she's free. She has this list of things to do, etc, etc. *yawn* She secretly is still in love with Sterling, the love of her life. Sterling, who sorta courted her back when they were younger, is such a bore. Seriously. Her father makes her marry another man so that it will hide and cover up some scandal (sounds like every other romance) and so she's bitter because Sterling didn't try harder to win her back before she's actually married..... *sigh*

Not Ms. Alexander's best writing at all. I'm so very disappointed. I hope her next one is a lot better.

In 1885 Lord Newbury orders Earl Sterling Harrington to protect his daughter Olivia. He fears the person who murdered her spouse Rathbourne will kill Olivia next.

Sterling loathes Olivia whom he was betrothed to when she married Rathbourne a decade ago. She sent him letters of explanation that he refused to open and used his hatred of her to remain ignorant of her being prisoner in an abusive marriage that her father fostered on her. Olivia learns her late husband's will contain three stipulations she must meet within a year of his death or she gains nothing. She pleads with Sterling to help her and though he is filled with rage, he cannot deny his beloved Livy anything.

This is a superb Victorian romantic suspense thriller that hooks the audience with the opening pointing of Newbury's cane in the chest of the Earl and never slows down as the action and second chance at love blend nicely into a strong historical. The lead couple is a wonderful pairing as both remain hurt with what happened and more important did not happen ten years ago. With several twists and adventures, Desires of a Perfect Lady is a fabulous tale that sub-genre fans will fully appreciate.

Harriet Klausner

No, it doesn't have the danger of 'The Virgin's Secret' but it has adventure - lot's of adventure! And, of course, with any Victoria Alexander book, it's funny. The characters are always sarcastic, zany, and witty - for me that really is what makes the book. Well, first there has to be a plot... but she handles those as well.

READ IT! It's a terrific book.