Lady Clarissa has decided to live life on her terms. After the end of a ten-year betrothal, she wants nothing to do with marriage or the men of the ton. Least of all her friend’s brother, the very charming Lord Markham, or Hearts, as many ladies call the oh-so-handsome earl. Markham pursues relationships with no ties that bind. Acting the rake leaves everyone satisfied…until he overhears a … satisfied…until he overhears a wager that could lead to Clarissa’s ruin. He can’t help but step in and claim she’s his intended bride.
Clarissa is appalled. She did not need to be saved. Reluctantly, she agrees to the fake courtship, if only to experience what the rakish Markham can offer. But when lust becomes love, Clarissa must make up her own terms and bet it all on Hearts.
Each book in the Lords of Chance series is STANDALONE:
* Scandal in Spades
* Heart’s Desire
* Diamond in the Rogue
more
Heart’s Desire is the second book in the Lords of Chance series by author Wendy LaCapra. After reading Mrs. Sartin’s Secretary and catching a glimpse of Lord Markham, I was intrigued to learn more about him!
Percival Stanley the Earl of Markham is a rake and everyone knows it… except for Markham. When he comes to the realization that in fact, he is a rake, he’s rather angry and decides to take better care. He has spent the last five years working hard to get his crumbling estate out of debt. His sisters are thriving… at least they are now… and he knows that soon he will need to start looking for a bride.
Lady Clarissa Laithe at the age of seven was promised to the son of the neighboring Marquess, at 10 she was orphaned, at 20 her betrothal she had prepared for her entire life was broken, and then finally her only brother abandons her when he abruptly leaves Britain. She’s rather disenchanted by society and has had quite enough of men who think only of themselves.
Well, what a surprise this story was! I knew after the last story I read, that Markham was a rake. What I didn’t expect was a young man who’s not exactly happy once he realizes the truth of how people view him. I liked Markham! He had a huge burden placed on his shoulders at a very young age and has done the best he could under the circumstances. He’s a good man, who loves his sisters. When Lady Clarissa is almost ruined, he steps in to save her and it forces these two into a false courtship. As for Clarissa, I did like her and I understood her fears of not wanting to be dependent on someone else and her determination to live on her own terms. I loved watching these two try to avoid and ignore the awareness between them and fail miserably. They were a cute couple and their romance was fun to watch as it blossomed, especially because it took them both by surprise. I absolutely loved Markham allowing Clarissa the control she needed to learn to trust him. He was a fabulous hero! There are some fabulous secondary characters, witty banter, and a clue at the end of this book on who might be the focus for the next book in this series! Definitely a fun read and looking forward to the next book in this series!
Maybe 3.5
I really enjoyed the first book in this series and was delighted to learn that Percival Stanley, Earl of Markham aka “Hearts” was to be the hero in this book. He was portrayed as a somewhat reckless, impulsive rake in the first book, so I was very surprised by the “real” Markham in this book!
Markham has always noticed Lady Clarissa Laithe, sister to Earl of Rayne, but she was off limits and already betrothed to the Marquess of Bromton, so he kept his interest to himself. When his reckless wager in the previous book changes Clarissa’s life, he is even more impressed by her and the way she handled being jilted. But bad blood between Markham and Rayne make any connection with Clarissa impossible – until it isn’t…
Lady Clarissa is tired of her life being directed by the whims of men and since her broken betrothal and her brother’s abrupt exit from England, she has decided she will not bend anymore. She has decided that she will not marry and when Rayne returns, she will ask him to take her with him on his next adventure. But when she tests her newfound determination on Lord Moultonbury by refusing to smile at his request, she unknowingly triggers a wager that could ruin her.
Markham is at Sharpe’s Club licking his wounds after a run in with a former lover pulled the scales from his eyes – he is going to change and make some hard fast rules for his life, starting now! But that plan is blown out of the water when Moultonbury and his cronies place a wager in the clubs betting book about Lady Clarissa. To save her reputation, Markham claims they are secretly courting and will announce their betrothal when Rayne returns. But what starts as a lie, soon becomes his true desire, but can he convince the lady?
I thought this book was well written, but I had problems with both Clarissa and Markham, so often lately Historical Romances have been portraying heroines as strong, independent woman – which is wonderful and empowering – but in doing so many authors have been embedding their heroines with 21st century views and morals and the stories end up being contemporary romances set in England without electricity, cell phones, internet and cars. Sadly that is what happened in this book – I didn’t really care for Clarissa from the beginning, I thought she was selfish and self-centered and she never changed. Markham started good and I was cheering when he told her off, but in the end, he too disappointed me. The writing was good, the pace was decent (it did drag a bit towards the end), the love scenes were warm and I really didn’t see how these two would find their HEA, but help comes by way of a surprising source. The ending gives a little tease to who the next book will be about and I am looking forward to seeing how that turns out!
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an e-ARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
While I didn’t find this novel to be as good as the first in the series, it wasn’t without its charms. The steady pace keeps the reader invested, making this the perfect read for a rainy day, and the characters are in their own way interesting.
One of the things that kept me from enjoying the story more was the tunnel vision that seemed to plague Clarissa. While it is easy to understand why a young woman would be weary of men, I hated the way she lumped them all into the same category. I also found it very hard to believe that she could be a virgin simply by the way she spoke to Percy. For someone who claimed to no next to nothing about the art of being with someone, she certainly had no qualms pushing his boundaries.
There are some points in this story that reference the first novel, and while it is easy enough to understand what is going on without having read it, doing so will give this second book more depth.
Overall, I believe this novel will appeal to those who like historical romances with strong characters – and I would read more from this author. In fact, I am super excited for the third installment in this series.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
The betting book
A wager over a young lady has Markhum up in arms, for the lady is one he has admired from afar. The sister of one of his best friends, she’s never given him anything but a look of disapproval. Now that he’s taken the stand to protect her, the Heart of Hearts must persuade her that his heart is true. Except the lady has a mind of her own. Great series, hot, and steamy with an absolute sweetheart for a hero.
This is the second book in the Lords of Chance series. I loved the first book and was so excited when I discovered the second book was for Lord Markham. Both characters were in the first book, Scandal in Spades, but this book gives you a real view of them and their personalities. I loved reading the interactions between Lord Markham and his sisters. He seemed more personable and it was hard not to fall in love with him. I was a little disappointed in Clarissa, her stubbornness and worried they would not find their HEA. The couple had help from an unlikely source and the ending has the reader wondering about the next book. The story was well written and had a great story line. It was a great book and I can’t wait to learn who will be in the next book and too read it!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
After reading the first book in this series, it was wonderful to see Percival (yes I love that name!) Stanley, Earl of Markham, because he had seemed such a rake and had even gamble his sister away! But an encounter in the first few pages made him think, “I hadn’t realized…I mean, I never intended to cultivate the reputation of a rake.” Like his father, he had a weakness for women but he was not incapable of forming an attachment! When these thoughts come to a realization, he decides he does not want to be seen that way and it really changes his life.
Lady Clarissa, the sister of his once best friend, has just ended a ten year bethrothal to a man that ended up marrying Markham’s sister. She is determined to stay clear of men and live as she wants. Unfortunately, she unwittingly test that determination on a man who sees her as a challenge and a wager begins that could ruin her.
When Markham hears about the wager, he claims they have been secretly courting and will announce their betrothal soon. As fate steps in, it seems he may want to make the lie a truth as his attraction grow!
Just when I think I have read my favorite book by this author, she writes another that takes it’s place! Her writing is so wonderfully eloquent and descriptive that I fall in love with the characters and my emotions become so engaged! I highlighted so many lines and paragraphs in my kindle, it seems I should have just highlighted the entire story! Prepare to be captured by a swoon-worthy hero and a stubborn heroine that will keep your attention until the last page!
Heart’s Desire by Wendy LaCapra is book Two in the Lords of Chance Series. This is the story of Percival Stanley, Earl of Markham and Clarissa Laithe. Markham played a part in the first book ‘Scandal in Spades’ but I still feel this book could be made into a standalone book if you wish to do so.
Clarissa has been betrothed to the Marquess of Bromton for years, but now her betrothal is broken and her brother takes off. Clarissa plans to do what she wants and when her brother the Earl of Rayne does come back she hopes to go with him on his adventures. Markham has always been aware of Clarissa but her engagement has kept any thoughts to himself in addition to who her brother is has kept him at bay. But when a reckless wager is done, he pretends that he is seeing Clarissa. Clarissa ends up going along with this fake relationship but as with all things in a fake relationship it turns into real feelings. Both did have personal issues that they needed to overcome so there is more to their story line.
Really enjoyed their story.
This book is my introduction to Mrs Wendy LaCapra talent, and for sure it won’t be my last.
By reading the blurb, I thought it would be an easy read of two persons getting to know another and falling in love but it was a bit like this but so much more too.
Because despite the facade they show to society, behind the mask there are two broken souls.
Lady Clarissa was breed and raised to be the perfect Marchioness except it never came true, and in the process she was left behind by her own brother. It is the last straw. From now on, she decides she would no longer fall under the thumb of a man, at his whim. But by standing for herself, she raises the ire of some very conceited men.
« Freedom—a dizzying thought for a woman groomed like a racehorse to serve a single purpose. »
Lord Markham has always had a thing for Clarissa, even if he stayed clear from her as his sole presence brings scowls to her face. But when her honor is at stake, he steps in and causes more harm than good.
So they are stuck together until they can sort it out.
And during their time together, the masks come off, but Clarissa is so engrossed in her will to remain unwed and free from man’s hands, she become more narrow-minded and blinkered than stubborn bringing hurt in her footsteps.
I adored Percy/Markham, he made mistakes but he did also his best to correct them and he was while having his sisters happiness at mind, never for his sole benefit, he is no selfish man, probably why he is a so sought after lover, because he has the enjoyment of the others as first thing in his mind. And soon, he wants his false courting become a real wooing but he is hampered by Clarissa new resolve. She is willing to explore passion with him but nothing more.
Why out of fear, she will hurt him deeply.
« She’d destroyed him. His sense of other had vanished. She’d broken him to pieces. He loved her with every single piece of his shattered soul. »
I confess I was upset by her willingness to giveaway something wonderful for fear to be lost, but I’m a woman born at the end of the XXth century and my freedom was never at stake, so at time I understood in which position she was, follow her heart and risk her free will or remain unwed and open herself to new adventures.
I arched for Markham and loved him more after his rather soft diatribe but he stayed true to his own rules and let her go, refusing to chain an unwilling woman to himself.
« The culmination had been fusion itself—two separate metal pieces melted and then melded together. And that little part of him—the one he constantly needed to beat down—had gone silent in the tender aftermath of her embrace. Why? He slapped again. Because he’d been bloody claimed. »
It was no sad read, it had plenty of quip and witty banters, their inner thoughts were full of humor, the supporting characters were entertaining and the love the Stanley siblings shares enlightened this tale.
Lady Clarissa has only one wish and that is to have freedom and do as she wishes. She vows never to marry, especially not her friend’s brother, Lord Markham!!!! She believes he’s a rake and every time they meet, she has only unkind words and glowering stares for him.
Lord Markham has always thought Clarissa lovely but knows that she doesn’t like him at all. If only she knew what a kind, gentle and thoughtful man he really was!! When he overhears a wager that will hurt Clarissa, he steps in and announces that he and Clarissa are actually betrothed!
When Clarissa finds out, she’s at first livid but then agrees to go along with his plan and before long, she’s fallen head over heels in love with him! I so enjoyed both characters and although Clarissa is very innocent and Markham is a rake, she’s the one that ends up seducing him:)
I was given a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Lady Clarissa Laithe has decided to live life on her terms. After the end of a ten-year betrothal, she wants nothing to do with marriage. Least of all her friend’s brother, the very charming Percival Stanley Lord Markham, or Hearts, as many ladies call the oh-so-handsome earl.
Markham pursues relationships with no ties that bind. Acting the rake leaves everyone satisfied until he overhears a wager that could lead to Clarissa’s ruin. He can’t help but step in and claim that he’s secretly courting her. Clarissa is appalled. She did not need to be saved. Reluctantly, she agrees to the fake courtship, if only to experience what the rakish Markham can offer.
The second book in the series (although there was also a novella in the Second Chance Love anthology which is Amelia Sartin’s story), whilst this could be read on its own to fully appreciate it I’d recommend reading the series in order. Markham previously came across as a rake but the more I read this story the more I realised there’s so much more to him, charming yes but also honourable caring, astute & very lovable, he also blushes which I loved. Clarissa doesn’t want to be tied down or confined & that’s how she sees a marriage after all she’s overseen her brother’s estate for the past nineteen months, so she’s not content to sit, embroider & drink tea. The pair have always been attracted to each other but as their courtship progresses their attraction grows as does their friendship. I thoroughly enjoyed this book & was drawn in from the start & it held my interest all the way through. The characters were well portrayed & on the whole very likeable, although there is one person who I hope gets his comeuppance before the end of the series!
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
After the man her father betrothed her to ten years ago fails to actually offer for her, and then her brother abandons her for a trip to New York, Lady Clarissa Laithe has decided she’s done conforming to the demands and expectations of others. She’s decided to claim independence instead of marriage and she especially doesn’t want anything to do with her brother’s friend, Hearts, so nicknamed for his ability to pleasure and charm ladies. Clarissa is immune to his charms and wants no part of his vanity.
Lord Percival Stanley, the Earl of Markham, holds himself apart from any committed relationship, leaving his lovers satisfied but unattached, although he is rather upset to find he’s cultivated the reputation of rake, for he’s always loathed those scoundrels. He’s considering settling down when he overhears a bet that could ruin Clarissa, a dear friend to both of his sisters. Ever the gallant, Markham steps in and claims that he is courting her.
Clarissa didn’t need or want saving but she agrees to go along with the fake courtship to save face. Soon their fake courtship and lustful spark turns into real feelings and love, which terrifies Clarissa. She doesn’t want to lose herself in a marriage and believes herself to be the only one who’s suffered hurt or loss and her need to protect herself and inability to trust nearly sabotage any hope these two have of a happy ending. Markham is just as vulnerable as she is, maybe more so, but by the time she sees that, she may have pushed him too far.
Some may find the following spoilery: A lot of the issues here were caused by Clarissa herself and her tendency to have tunnel vision and see only her only problems and how things would effect her. When she finally stepped out of her own bubble, things began to look up, but I still think Markham deserved more of an apology from her and he forgave her too easily.
That complaint aside, I really did enjoy this one and loved Markham as a hero.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The book was pretty good until you decided to turn the innocent girl into a dominatrix with her first sexual encounter and the strong, handsome, protective man who supposedly is virile and sexual and a masterful lover into a blundering wimp. Neither is believable. Poorly done. Dominatrix material? Rates right up there with lesbianism and rape. Leave it for XXX rated books! Not interested!
The writing didn’t seem to flow very well and the heroine was self-centered and annoying.
This is the first book of Ms. LaCapra I’ve read and I will look forward to reading more. It started a bit slow since this is a new writing style but after the first couple of chapters I was hooked. The reason it was slow was I was hesitant when Markham followed one of his widowed lovers and usually when that happens I didn’t want to read him with some other women right off the bat, but that was not the case so that was great. Now I also expected drama with the lover and Clarissa as the story progressed, again there was none but positive parts. Clarissa starts as innocent virgin became more of a dominant lady with Markham and setting the scenes. Markham stated out as a innocent gentleman seeing women as a gift but never understood how he had become a ‘rake’ until he had a conversation with a former lover and do her to talk about his gifts and how all the women talk about him and his gifts a lot, that’s the start of Markham changing his ways but when an arrogant Lord makes a bet about Clarissa and putting her in her place at the feet of the jerk or his friends is a new change in Markham’s plan change…..