Olivia Rathbourne endured 10 years of hell as a possession of her collector husband. After Lord Rathbourne meets with foul play, Olivia is finally free of the brutal control he wielded over every aspect of her life, and she has every intention of taking advantage of her freedom. The reading of his will makes Olivia feel as if he's reaching out from beyond the grave to maintain his control over his young wife. Olivia is challenged to complete three of Lord Rathbourne's collections in order to receive her inheritance; otherwise all she will receive is a small living allowance. Determined to be free of her husband's dictates forever, Olivia accepts the challenge. After 10 years of the enforced seclusion that was her marriage, there is only one person Olivia can turn to to aide in her quest.

For years Sterling Harrington, Earl of Wyldewood, has hidden behind the protection of his station in life. An earl must be responsible and steadfast. It wasn't proper for an earl to have adventures and take risks; that was more for Sterling's younger brothers, Quinton and Nathaniel. An earl must live up to his responsibilities. But Sterling failed miserably at what should have been a primary responsibility a decade ago. Believing himself betrayed by the woman he loved, Sterling ignored her letters and created a life without her. Now Lady Olivia Rathbourne is a widow and once again in need of Sterling's help.

Unwilling to let down the love of his life a second time, Sterling finds himself relegating his duties to his middle brother and setting off for Egypt (the land of snakes!) with Olivia, a handsome young solicitor, and his mother. Sterling will use their adventure to show Olivia they can once again have what they'd lost. Olivia, however, is focused on gaining her freedom. Having been under the rule of one overbearing man, she's not sure she's willing to trust another one with her heart, even the man she loved all those years ago.

Victoria Alexander's DESIRES OF A PERFECT LADY is the second story of the Harrington brothers and my favorite of Ms. Alexander's stories to date. Sterling and Olivia are very likable characters, playing well off one another and the various men and women they encounter in their treasure hunt. As always, the reader is drawn effortlessly into the world of lords and ladies and delightfully interfering families. There's plenty of intrigue, too, as we're left with the unsolved murder of Olivia's husband and the ominous plotting of unknown thieves. Quinton's story promises to be every bit as entertaining!

Book Summary

Star-crossed lovers get a second chance in the latest installment of #1 New York Times bestselling author Victoria Alexander’s series, where the never-ending quest for adventure leads three brothers to the greatest treasure of all: love.

A secret list of the desires of Lady Olivia Rathbourne:

1. Disregard convention
2. Follow my heart
3. Bed the Earl of Wyldewood

A decade ago, Olivia had expected to marry the Earl of Wyldewood, only to have happiness stolen from her before his ring could be placed upon her finger. Now he stands before her, as proud and arrogant and handsome as ever, vowing to rescue her. Well, he's got some nerve turning up after all these years. Where was he when she needed him?

As for the earl, scandal has never touched him nor has impropriety ever besmirched his name. But his penchant for doing the expected does have his family calling him, well, dull. Isn't it time to flaunt society's conventions and do what he's always wanted? And first on his list: Olivia in his bed—with or without a wedding.