What a Lord Wants

This is another wonderful and unique addition to the ‘Capturing the Carlisles’ series. The writing is excellent, the plot is excellent and I loved the characters. This book features Evelyn (Eve) Winslow who is the sister-in-law of Robert Carlisle (As the Devil Dares) and sister to Mariah, Robert’s wife. We don’t see a lot of the Carlisles in this book and I did miss them – but I loved both Dom and Eve. In Eve’s sister’s book, it was Hellion meets Hellion. In this one it is driven meets driven – and their journey is a fun one to watch.

Eve Winslow has narrowly – by the skin of her teeth – avoided scandal. She’s in a precarious position in society anyway – nobody wants anything to do with her because her father is in trade (and rich as Croesus) but they can’t shun her because her sister has married into the powerful Carlisle family. What was Eve’s scandal – well, if you read her sister’s book, you know – but if you didn’t – she was eloping to Scotland with a real scoundrel, and when he discovered she wasn’t an heiress, he left her at an inn. She had no money, no transportation and she didn’t know a soul. As this book begins, Eve is still being carefully monitored by her sister and her father because she can’t afford any chance of scandal. She is really chafing under that close scrutiny because she is a restless soul and can’t be still for long. Eve has what I would assume is a sort of anxiety disorder. When she was very young, her mother died and Eve equated it with sleeping – her mother just went to sleep and didn’t wake up. So, Eve has always been afraid to sleep because she was afraid she wouldn’t wake up. Eve is so fearful that she’ll die young herself that she tries to cram eight lifetimes into one short one.

The Duchess, Robert’s mother, asked Eve to assure that she picked up a painting (by Domenico Vincenzo) that Dominick Mercer, Marquess of Ellsworth, was giving to Robert and Mariah as a wedding present. No problem – that is simple enough. Except, it isn’t. When Eve arrives at the Marquess’ house, things are in turmoil. When Eve tries to ask about the painting, the butler assumes she is a model for Vincenzo (the painter) and sends her to another address. Then, when she arrives at the studio, again – chaos. The artist is in a hot argument with a woman and he also leaps to the conclusion that Eve is there to model (nude) for him.

Dominick had long been estranged from his family because they didn’t understand his need, his drive, his obsession with being a painter. He had left England and moved to Venice to study and paint. His art came first – before everything else – and he had become the famous Italian painter Domenico Vincenzo. Of course, a life of debauchery went along with that name. Then, the worst thing happened. Dominick’s brother died and Dominick was now the Marquess of Ellsworth. Dominick packed up and moved back to England to perform his duties, but he couldn’t give up his painting, so he started leading a double-life. In one life, he was a staid, much-respected Marquess and in the other, he was a driven painter. Too bad those two lives are about to collide.

Dom is mesmerized by the model that has just shown up at his studio and he just knows that she is perfect for his masterpiece. When she tries to tell him she’s not an actress or model, he doesn’t listen and just overtalks her right into the studio. Eve is chagrined at first, then intrigued and thinks this could be an adventure – just what she’s been looking for.

Dom and Eve are thrown together almost daily and grow closer and closer – until Dom is afraid she is getting too close. He must keep her at a distance because his art must come first. Add in a vindictive former model who wants more from Dom and a revenge-seeking former ‘betrothed’ of Eve and you have a rollercoaster of a ride.

I thoroughly enjoyed this read – and it even had a lovely epilogue. I would have liked to see just a bit more in the epilogue though. It would have been nice to see that Dominick James Mercer’s paintings became some of the most sought-after in England and the continent and far exceeded Domenico Vincenzo’s. Still — the epilogue was sweet and lovely!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

When I read a book by Anna Harrington, I need to set aside time because I know once I turn the first page I will not move until the end! Wow, can I say it again? Prepare to be taken into a seductive story running the gamut of emotions with all of the ingredients for a perfect historical romance. This is an excellent example why I love them!
Dominick Mercer is a man leading a double life, but wanting to merge them together. A passionate Italian painter whose work has made him famous, he also lives a life of self indulgence. But when he gains the title of Marquess when his brother dies, he has to keep up appearances without everyone knowing his true vocation.
Eve Winslow jumps from one scandal to another and is barely on the edge of being acceptable. When she meets Dom he mistakes her for his new model and she begins to spend time with him.
The author is a master at bringing the story alive with her wonderful descriptions and almost three dimensional characters. This is an emotional and intense story with suspense, drama, strong emotions and of course romance that will have you sighing as you turn the last page.
I highly recommend this book and even though it can be read as a standalone, you do not want to miss this rest in this series!!

This story had everything that I crave in a historical romance read: A complex, swoon-worthy leading man, a bold and brash leading lady with spice, sizzling chemistry, sultry sensuality, scandalous secrets and a love that is going to take some nurturing, compromising and creativity if it is to blossom fully and thrive long-term. The plot was multi-layered and so refreshingly-unique that I remember thinking, “Wow! What phenomenally-different and delightfully-satisfying story!”, when I finished reading it. Although, I shouldn’t be surprised, as Harrington seemingly can pen no wrong!

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.

4.5 Stars
Dominick Mercer, Marquess of Ellsworth, leads a double life. In public, he’s one of the most respected peers in England. But in private, he’s notorious Italian painter Domenico Vincenzo, a man known as well for his scandalous lifestyle as his paintings. He’s determined to paint a masterpiece and put his real name on it, thus freeing him from this dual existence that’s becoming difficult to maintain. His latest model is the most unusual woman he’s ever met and the only one fit for his masterpiece. Eve Winslow is determined to live life to its fullest by bouncing from one madcap escapade to another. So when a misunderstanding brings her to Vincenzo’s studio, she simply cannot refuse the adventure of being his model, or his rakish charms.
Another captivating read I love the Carlisles & their friends. Dom lives for his painting & is hugely talented, he doesn’t like living a dual life & yearns to be recognised for himself. Eve is a strong woman & wants to find the lover her sister Mariah has found. Together they are delightful & so right for each other. My respect grew for Eve when she laid down her ultimatum for Dom. Dom’s enlightenment was lovely. A well written engrossing read that I read in one sitting on a long train journey & it made the journey fly by
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Here is another great story by Anna Harrington. This is about Eve, who wants some kind of adventure in her life and Marquess Ellsworth who is secretly the painter Domenico Vincenzo. Neither of them know who the other person really is..but they form a bond and fall in love. The story is so well written and the words flow so nicely, I did not know where the time went. I was so lost in the story. This is an enjoyable read.

This was a fun read. Thoroughly enjoyed Dominic and Eve. Will definitely keep reading this series.

What A Lord Wants, book five in Anna Harrington’s Capturing the Carlisles series, was a well-designed romance that will engage readers from the start!

Being held accountable under the harsh scrutiny of polite society Dominick Mercer, Marquess of Ellsworth and shipping heiress Eve Winslow lived double lives. One where they complied with propriety and the other where they stretched the boundaries of living and risked losing favor in the eyes of the people who dictated their social standing. What A Lord Wants was a story of dreaming big and the struggle to not dream big enough for fear of losing what the leads held dear.

As his secret alias, Domenico Vincenzo, Dom was able to freely explore his creativity and love of painting without the heavy mantle of his responsibilities as the Marquess of Ellsworth burdening him. Keeping himself closed off from any real connection, other then his art, was how Dom approached life until he met Eve and then the once appealing possibilities of an empty canvas seemed less desirable when faced with empty arms and a lonely heart. Eve knew how important living life to its fullest was from the experience of losing her mother at a young age, yet every time she grasped at feeling alive she was roughly reminded that her place in the world was that of a compliant woman. The meeting of Dom and Eve opened their eyes to the potential of what their lives could be if they risked exposing their hearts to each other.

Ms. Harrington did a fine job of building a slow simmer to a boil in guiding this couple to finding complete happiness. In her usual manner this author brought a wide scope of historical and emotional perspective that gave her audience the feeling of being authentically involved in her story when reading her work. The agony the hero and heroine grappled with as they fought with their desires was depicted well.

Like the bold brush strokes of the artist portrayed by Anna Harrington in What A Lord Wants she applied her pen in a similar manner, bringing history and romance to readers in just the right light!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own. *
*While part of a series this book can be read as a stand alone.*

I love art and this was a wonderful story revolving around it. The talk of paint smells, brush strokes and the process of creating a masterpiece is well written. I could smell the thinner and the paints and remember the angst of trying to put idea to paper or canvas. The scenes of creation were fabulous and really drew me in and held me captive.

Dominick Mercer, Marquess of Ellsworth, would rather be entrenched in a villa in Italy, but he is stuck in England having to keep up appearances for the aristocracy and he is miserable. He was the second son, the black sheep of the family and was content to be left to himself. He is passionate, creative, and stubborn. He has managed to bury his heart so deep inside himself that he has completely forgotten that he has one and what it is for.

Evelyn Winslow is the daughter of a shipping magnate and while the world sees her as the heiress to the shipping empire, her father holds very strict ideas about dowries and his empire. I admire his ideas and devotion to his daughters and what they deserve from the men that offer for them. She was eight when her mother passed and that led her to refuse to be a simpering miss happy with needlework and playing the pianoforte. She was always looking for adventure and that rush of adrenaline that telling her she was alive.

While I understand this was Eve and Dominick’s story, more interactions with her sister and her new in-laws, the Carlisles and her sponsor for the season, the Duchess of Trent would have been nice, I missed them. I was a bit surprised that Eve was able to pull the wool over so many people’s eyes with very little effort, considering she had a bit of a scandal in her near past.

Watching Eve and Dom grow into their HEA was delightful. The courage of Eve to show up day after day to be there for Dom was amazing. Dom’s total blindness to the MANY signs and signals that Eve out was amazing, talk about immersed in your craft. Eve’s sassiness and humor were wonderful and kept Dom on his toes. Dominick’s two grand gestures made were romantic and had me cheering out loud.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

What a Lord Wants by Anna Harrington is the fifth book in the Capturing the Carlisles series and definitely worth reading. What a Lord Wants is Dom and Eve’s love story! I absolutely love this series!
Evelyn Winslow lives her life to fullest and has ever since her mother passed away in her sleep when Eve was just a little girl. Her antics have caused some concern from her father and sister, but Eve still throws caution to the wind and pushes the limits in spite of those concerns so meeting Dom under the guise of mistaken identity makes their relationship seem so easy even when it no longer is.
Dominick Mercer has been living a double life since his brother passed away and he took the title of Marquess of Ellsworth so when Eve stumbles into his life he is more than willing to do what it takes to continue that double life until doing so might destroy her precarious standing in society and possibly drive her away.
I’m definitely looking forward to reading more stories by Anna Harrington in the future.

I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.

Dominick Mercer is leading a double life. On the one hand, he is the Marquess of Ellsworth. On the other hand, he is Domenico Vincenzo, an Italian painter with a scandalous reputation with the ladies.

When Evelyn (Eve) Winslow arrives at his painting studio to pick up a painting, he mistakenly thinks she is the latest in a long line of models. Since Eve is terribly bored with the life she is being forced to lead after her disastrous near elopement, she decides to play along for some excitement.

Domenico’s philosophy: “To be a great artist, a man can’t serve both his art and his mistress. If he splits his passion, both of them will suffer. I decided a long time ago to put my art before everything else in my life.”

But, as time goes on, both start to have feelings that they try to suppress. Will they succumb to their desires? Will scandal ruin one or both of them because of their deceptions? Both of them have secrets and there are plenty of people who are determined to reveal the scandals and ruin their reputations.

Ms. Harrington is one of my favorite Regency authors and she truly captures the period in her books. This book was very different from most Regencies I have read and I really enjoyed the freshness of the story. But, don’t worry: the book still has all of the things that I love about the Regency genre. The ton, the fashions, the morals of the times, the misunderstandings that always ensue, the steamy sex and the HEA are all present and accounted for.

I was give the opportunity to read an early copy of this book and chose to review it.