A WHISPER OF DESIRE - Bronwen Evans

#4 in The Disgraced Lords series

GREAT! - 4 Stars

Plot - 4 stars - As part of a group of titled men called the Libertine Scholars, Maitland is a target from a vindictive person from his (and his father's) past. When he ends up naked in bed with his friend's sister, he marries her to save her reputation but finds himself feeling more passion for her than he expected.

Writing - 4 stars - I was caught up in the story right from the first page even though I haven't read any of the previous books in this series. There was enough information provided to sketch out the gist of the series, and I was immediately drawn into the scenario and felt comfortable with the main group of characters.

Characters - 4 stars - Maitland, the Duke of Lyttleton, is a great character. He's strong and handsome and titled, but he's also very withdrawn and stoic. He's worried that he will take after his father, a degenerate who had syphilis and consequently affected Maitland's fortune and reputation. When Marisa marries him, she wants love and friendship, but he keeps his emotions so controlled that she can't break through his reserve. It was clear that there was a lot of passion between them, but he was resisting. They are both honorable and respectful people, but he doesn't trust himself. Marisa is a sweet, young woman from a nice family, and she definitely has a strong passionate side (which makes Maitland nervous). She's caught up in his situation, through no fault of her own, but she's tough and intelligent and wants to help. I really liked her despite her youth. They made a very attractive couple, and I was rooting for their success.

Title - 3.5 stars - I suppose the title refers to the fact that Maitland feels desire for Marisa but doesn't want to give in to it. It didn't quite fit what I envisioned for the book.

Cover - 3 stars - This cover isn't particularly appealing to me. The scene is suggestive, of course, but the models don't look at all like I imagine them.

Overall - 4 stars - This was an enjoyable Regency romance, with a bit of a different edge. The mystery was left as a cliffhanger, of course, since it is running through the entire series and is what holds it all together. Although I haven't yet read any of the previous books, I had no trouble understanding the situation and felt comfortable with previous main characters, liking them so much that I can't wait to go back and read their stories. The romance was excellent, with lots of passion and hot romantic scenes.

I recommend it but keep in mind it’s not your typical light hearted historical romance novel. There are dark layers and characters. The H&H do not get the typical HEA, but are happy at the end.
I really enjoyed the main characters and their love story, but the dark turn it took caught me off guard. I thought the characters had amazing chemistry, there also plenty of intrigue and mystery. I would have loved to see more about their love blossoming, more interactions.
This was part of a larger series but I guess it could be read as a standalone. There were a lot of references to past characters and the villaness without refreshers, which just led to want to read the previous stories.

I really tried, but I just can't get into historical books

Scandal causes Marisa and Maitland to marry. As they begin to know one another and develop feelings, an enemy of Maitland targets Marisa. It is up to Maitland to save Marisa and win her heart.

Interesting characters, a plot that held my interest, and an intriguing backdrop made this book enjoyable.

Thank goodness that the Libertine Lords are a large group of friends! This book tells the story of the Duke and Duchess of Littleton, Maitland and Marisa. It also introduces a few secondary characters who will return in later books in the series. This wasn’t my favorite book in the series, although it has all of the heat of the rest. It does moves the series plot along, however