What Isabella Desires

by Anne Mallory

Lady Isabella Willoughby has always been patient and proper. But secretly, scandalously, she longs to be wildto wear daring gowns while dancing the night away. Above all, she craves one thing: To be... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 006124239X
• Release Date: July 2007
• Publisher: Avon
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 6.8" x 0.9" x 4.2"

Customer Reviews

Lovely - Funny - Immensely Entertaining!

Lady Isabella Willoughby widowed these last three years, has always been in love with the inscrutable Marcus, Lord Roth, one of the most powerful members of the House of Lords. Patient and proper, Bella and Marcus have been good friends through the years, but now Isabella is ready to let loose and capture the object of her desire - if only for just one kiss. Wealthy, handsome and brooding, Marcus not only serves in the House, but has a network of men who serve to protect and remove those who would cause harm. Lately, his network has been breached and someone is killing off those close to him. As Lady Isabella begins her campaign to bring forth her wild side, expecting more from him than friendship, Marcus is about to break his one simple rule of not falling in love. Unfortunately, not only must he guard Bella from his enemies, but her heart from discovering his dark family secret. *** I am becoming a huge fan of Ms. Mallory who has a remarkable talent of creating memorable and likeable characters, not only those who are pre-destined for one another but are immensely appealing to the reader. It was amusing the way the author let the very prim and proper widow Lady Bella break out of her self imposed proper little world to try to entice the man she'd always loved. Having run out of patience when Marcus never gave her any encouragement, Bella had initially settled and had a good but not passionate marriage. She was determined to change her life and sedate looks with daring clothes and by attending some of the more risqué entertainments to make her good `friend' Marcus sit up and take notice! Marcus definitely took notice and didn't like it one bit that Bella was attracting the attention of persons he considered opponents as well as enemies. With an underlying element of danger, Marcus convinced himself he was `protecting' Bella from her own foolishness. He'd never been immune to her charms but held a dark family secret that he knew from Bella's own personal history, would cause her heartache and pain should he encourage their closeness. The author did well with keeping the intrigue and danger at the forefront as Marcus succumbed to the desires of the one woman he'd tried to keep from being hurt. Ms. Mallory kept the intrigue, fast-paced action and sensual seduction going strong throughout the story striking a perfect balance of danger, titillating humor, passion, along with a heartwarming ending. Fabulous entertainment is in store for Regency fans! Marilyn Rondeau, RIO - Reviewers International Organization for www.ck2skwipsandkritiques.com

A story full of romance!

Anne Mallory delivers another great Regency---with a fresh twist, a little murder mystery, and heroine and hero who were destined for each other. I read this book in a night and enjoyed every minute of it! Way to go, Ms. Mallory! Kathrynn Dennis, author, DARK RIDER (Sept, 2007)

What Isabella Desires

Lady Isabella Willoughby is tired of being proper and alone. Isabella decides to take matters into her own hands and reach for what she desires. What she desires is more of a 'who' rather than a 'what'. Isabella desires her very good friend, Marcus, Lord Roth. To make Marcus see her as more than a friend, Isabella lowers her neckline and begins to attend the ton's scandalous after season parties. Isabella wants to find herself in Marcus' bed and Marcus' heart. For Marcus, all of him, is Isabella's heart's desire. I adore stories of unrequited love. I adore Anne Mallory's What Isabella Desires. Isabella is a heroine strong enough, determined enough and brave enough to fight for what her heart desires. What Isabella Desires is sensual, heart wrenching and ever so romantic. Annmarie Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

What Isabella Desires...she gets

Love conquers all in this newest novel by the talented Mallory. What Isabella Willloughby desires is love everlasting with Marcus Stewart, Lord Roth. Unfortunately, Marcus doesn't want to fall in love. These two strong, mature characters go full tilt toward the inevitable while battling pasts filled with disappointment and sadness. Imbued with mystery, longing and sizzling tender/hot love scenes, What Isabella Desires is a definite keeper. You're going to love this one!

A story about hope and love

This is a charming and heartwarming story, with a fabulous combination of sensual tension, danger, and witty repartee; laugh out loud moments, and heartfelt emotion that brought tears to my eyes. I had a wonderful time reading it. The lovely and proper widow, Lady Isabella Willoughby goes after her heart's desire in this tale of unrequited love. Isabella has been in love with Marcus Steward, Lord Roth since before her debutante days. Lacking the confidence to win Marcus's affection, young Isabella gives up her chance at true passionate love by marrying someone else. But Isabella's married life doesn't last; her husband Lord Willoughby dies after a long-suffering illness. For years, not a breath of scandal has ever been attached to Isabella's name, she is what all debutantes, wives and widows are encouraged to be: quiet and proper. But quiet and proper are the very things Isabella no longer wants to be. Now at twenty-eight, with a "respectable distance from widows weeds", destiny has given Isabella a chance to get Marcus to notice her. Not as the quiet friend who challenges him at games of chess, but as lover, a passionate woman who loves him unconditionally. Isabella's plan to seduce Marcus works right away though Marcus fights his attraction for her every step of the way. As an influential and powerful member of the government, Marcus's duty and commitment is to his country. Marcus cannot allow himself to fall in love, or for love to cloud his judgment. But Isabella's allure and confidence challenge his defenses, and the secret he's harbored for years. One that could destroy his career, the respect of his peers, and this woman who with each tantalizing caress is so close to conquering his heart. Then his worst fears come true when Isabella's life is threatened, Marcus must take her under his protection, close to his home and heart. Close to his past and disastrous not too distant future. Well written, well paced and entertaining, What Isabella Desires is a story about taking risks, second chances, and hope. The hope that true love conquers all. Ms Mallory delivers on all accounts, she consistently writes "must buy" books.