Having escaped the clutches of Malcolm Baxter, a cruel man who had brutally abused her, Monica Danes has built an independent life for herself as an actress in Bath, in 1897. Shunned by her family for refusing to marry Mr. Baxter, and for shaming them by becoming a famous actress, Monica has never returned to Marksville House in her hometown of Biddestone. Gaining the freedom that she has always wanted, Monica has found true friends and a lifestyle she adores. But when her younger sister Jane writes, letting her know that their father has died, Monica knows she must return to help her sister. Terrified of being trapped into that old life, she vows to bury her father and leave as soon as possible. However plans never seem to be straight-forward.

Upon her return, Monica finds her mother deeply ill and delusional, Jane desperately wants her to stay to look after the estate and all who depend on Marksville for their livelihood, and finally Thomas, her father's groom and right hand man. He has been the one man she can trust, the one who has held her heart since she was young, and the one that infuriates her beyond measure!

As their passionate feelings for each other resurface, they both try to stop their growing love. Thomas believes that the differences in their class prevents them from ever being together, and it is killing him to keep his distance from her. Monica loves Thomas but knows that the land that she dislikes so much, is a part of his soul, and that he could never be happy in Bath. And she believes she can never be happy in Biddestone. But when Monica reveals an unusual plan, that will leave her free to return to Bath, but also leave Thomas and her family in the home that they love, will Thomas finally fight for what he wants,deep down in his heart? Or will Monica run away from her destiny and her true love?

WHAT A WOMAN DESIRES by Rachel Brimble is a wonderful tale of independence and love in the Victorian era. Monica is an independent, strong, self-established actress who has been damaged by the actions of Malcolm Baxter, but also by the actions of her parents. As she struggles to escape Marksville and her feelings for Thomas, as a reader I felt every emotion that she portrayed - her fear, her love, her need for freedom. Thomas is protective, loyal, and loving but afraid of the ramifications of his feelings, and so he tries to deny what is in his heart.

WHAT A WOMAN DESIRES by Rachel Brimble is a delightful Regency tale with strong characters and a few twists and turns that grab your attention.

Book Summary

From country girl to actress of the stage, one woman dares to live her dreams—but is she brave enough to open her heart…?

Monica Danes always wanted more than the village of Biddlestone had to offer. After a failed courtship to a man of her parents’ choosing, she fled for the city of Bath and never looked back. Today, Monica is the undisputed queen of the theater—a wealthy, independent woman. But when she is called home in the wake of tragedy, Monica returns— intending to leave again as soon as possible.

Thomas Ashby has been a groom at the Danes estate since he was a boy—and has been enamored with Monica for almost as long. He knows he isn’t a suitable match for his master’s daughter, despite the special bond he and Monica have always shared—and their undeniable attraction. But now that she’s returned, Thomas has one last chance to prove himself worthy—and to show Monica a life, and a love, she won’t want to give up...

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