Book Review: Devil’s Desire by Laurie McBain
Devil’s Desire by Laurie McBain. © 2010 Sourcebooks Casablanca. ISBN 9781402242410. Mass Market Paperback. Historical Romance. 416 pages. Source: ARC provided by the publisher
Synopsis: With his seductive golden eyes and sin-black hair, it’s no wonder Lord Alex Trevegne has earned himself the sinister title—not to mention his reputation as one of the most notorious rakes in England. When fate throws Alex and Elysia into a scandalous situation, Alex suddenly finds it surprisingly difficult to tear himself away from her.
As an unexpected passion blossoms between them, Elysia begins to wonder if after a lifetime of heartache she’s finally found heaven in the arms of the devil.
Review: Sourcebooks Casablanca is reproducing a set of books in order to revive a few classic romances which have gone out of print. Up first is Devil’s Desire by Laurie McBain, which was originally published in 1975. Devil’s Desire follows Elysia, an orphan residing with her cruel aunt. She longs to get away, however, the only option she sees is a marriage of convenience to Lord Alex Trevegne—a rake known as ‘The Devil’.
The jealous/possessive hero (i.e., Heathcliff) has never been my cup of tea and that’s what we have here with Lord Alex Trevegne so I was immediately turned-off. There’s a fine line dividing a tortured-soul and an asshole. Alex was borderline sadistic, in my opinion. Elysia fought back (though mainly verbally), but I just kept thinking “why the hell would anyone fall in love with someone like this?!” I understand that as a historical, one has to take into account how life would have been for a woman but … blah. I’d take living with the aunt, methinks–mind blowing, rakish sex or not.
I’m giving this 1.5/5 as I just wasn’t feeling it. Apparently “bodice rippers” aren’t my thing. I don’t do the “you belong to me, you will obey” romance (if you can even call that mindset romantic…) but to each their own. Perhaps if this is something up your alley, you might want to give it a go. I know there’s a good many McBain fans out there so this type of romance is definitely a personal preference sort of thing.
Shop Indie Bookstores or Order Online From Amazon
