Lady Amelia Bertram goes too far when she loudly slanders the sexual prowess of her nemesis, Thomas Armstrong, in the middle of a party filled with the ton. It is not the first time her careless tongue has gotten her noticed, but her skill in skirting the mores of the Ton have kept her from outright scandal, until now. Even her father, who seems to care little about her behavior, has been pushed to his limits and promises dire consequences involving a nunnery.

Thomas, Viscount Armstrong, wants nothing to do with the spoiled minx when her father Harold Bertram begs him to watch over her while he is away in America. The careless chit has been a thorn in his side from the moment he began business dealings with Bertram. For the sake of the respect and esteem in which he holds his business partner he has bitten his tongue and done his best to keep his encounters with his daughter short and polite, but when Amelia goes that one step too far enough is enough. He agrees to take her under his protection and in the process teach her a lesson she will never forget. His country estate should be safe enough. With her under his care he could have her scrubbing the scullery or mucking out the stables and no one of consequence will ever know, certainly her arrogance would keep Amelia from complaining to anyone about her treatment.

A TASTE OF DESIRE has the standard trappings of a Victorian-era historical romance, yet Beverley Kendall has given it a subtle and unique flavor. Amelia is more than a spoiled attention-seeking brat of a woman, and Thomas' staid and business-like demeanor belies the power and passion inside. Although the characters (particularly Amelia) grow and change as the story progresses, what I found most fascinating was the revelation of the hidden qualities that were there all along, yet hidden even from themselves. More than just a pleasant diversion, this book has depth and substance and is worth more than a casual read.

Book Summary

She Challenged His Pride

Lady Amelia Bertram may have a reputation as the most brazen beauty of the ton, but she shocks even herself when she accidentally—and loudly—derides one of society's most eligible bachelors in the middle of a crowded ballroom. The timing of her faux pas couldn’t be worse, for her father is seeking someone to take her off his hands that very night…

He Challenged Her Willpower

But when Thomas Armstrong overhears the so-called "Lady" Amelia slandering his sexual prowess in public, he cannot help but accept the dare implicit in her words. To her father’s great delight, he offers to take her to his secluded country estate—properly chaperoned, of course—to teach the girl a lesson in ladylike behavior...

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