A Desperate Game

by Barbara Pierce

Falsely accused of killing her own husband, Tessa Belanger flees London, is attacked by robbers, and rescued by a kindly man who turns out to be the Queen's own prosecutor. Original. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0821764799
• ISBN13: 9780821764794
• Release Date: January 2000
• Publisher: Zebra Books
• Length: 348 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 4.2" x 6.9"

Customer Reviews

Exciting Debut

I read "A Desperate Game" shortly after reading two novels set in approximately the same time period. These novels were Emily Bronte's "Wuthering Heights" and Sir Walter Scott's "Bride of Lammermoor". Ms. Pierce's debut book held up extremely well in its depiction of England in the early 1800's. Her impeccable research is evident as she paints an accurate, beautiful setting for her tale of intrigue and enticing romance. Her characters show their humanity and yes, their foibles to the reader. No perfect people here, but we watch as they struggle to overcome the horrible events that have brought them together. The reader immediately falls under the author's spell as she weaves a tale of murder, fear, as well as romance under the most intense and stressful situations. Her dialog is charming and realistic to the time period. She never talks down to the reader. The story's shocking beginning draws the reader into Tessa's world. Soon, the reader is in a story line spinning with such furious intensity that the book is impossible to put down. If Barbara Pierce's debut book is this good, I can't wait for her second!

Romance and Mystery

I just finished reading A Desperate Game. It moved me so much I wanted to urge others to buy this book. Ms. Pierce's writing style is very engaging, and I was immediately pulled into the story. The romance is intertwined with a strong suspense element, but this wasn't a turn off for me. I happen to like a good mystery as long as the hero gets his lady. I can promise you, Ms. Pierce delivers. You won't be disappointed!

Wouldn't have missed it for anything!

This is definitely a book worth reading! When I had initially bought this book, I meant to complete reading it within a day or two as I usually do with romance novels. In the end, I found myself reading it over and over again. I think I must have read it at least 3 times! The book has a cast of highly interesting characters, setting (late 1800's England), and the love scenes (very sensual) most of all. If you're looking for a book that will last you more than just a day or two, leaving you a deep impression with fascinating characters, then this is the book for you! This is definitely a novel that you would want occupying a space in your bookshelves!

A Great Read!

When I started out reading this book, I had meant to use it only to pass the time. But when I got into the thick of it, I was actually surprised by how interesting and sensual it turned out to be. Both of the main characters- Reave and Tessa- show how interesting the situation gets when two people who dislike each other upon meeting end up, despite the friction, falling in love. The humor laced liberally throughout the book is the other best feature there besides the love scenes. Everything in the whole plot comes together perfectly, especially since the plot seems refreshing compared to the usual contemporary plots used. The book brings to mind the author Karen Robards because of the way that Ms. Pierce has structured her plot similiar to that of a mystery and suspense novel. So whatever you do and wherever you are, please do not miss out on this great novel! This is definitely a great read!

2000 is off with a bang with this shining debut!

What the synopsis doesn't tell you and which you will learn in the beginning is that the Countess of Lathom has experienced much humiliation at the hands of her profligate husband, but the final one is when her mother becomes his new mistress. After laughing off her demand for a divorce, the Countess runs away to start a new life away from London under a new disguise as nobody Tessa Balinger. But fate obviously has something different in store for the Countess. After being robbed by footpads, she is befriended at an inn by Kim Farrell, Viscount Turnberry. He believes he has a possible solution to her predicament. However, they overhear news that the Count of Lathom and his mistress were found murdered and the prime suspect is the Countess. Tessa was fleeing from horrific marriage now she is fleeing from those who want to hang her. When an author can sustain my interest, it's a very positive sign. And considering that this is Barbara Pierce's debut is a reflection of her talent and potential. She adds "Regencyism" that is even new to me, does a stellar job in well-drawn characters and writes with an almost lyrical style that is reminiscent of Kathleen E. Woodiwiss (for me anyway). The evolving relationship between Tessa and Raeve, two troubled souls, is of primary importance and the mystery intrigue picks up in the latter part of the book.I hope you will give this noteworthy debut a try - and enjoy it as much as I. And enjoy the romantically beautiful cover! Already, Ms. Pierce has become an auto-buy author and I hope she will write Kim and the Densmores' stories.