The Book of True Desires

by Betina Krahn

Book Overview

The New York Times bestselling author of The Book of the Seven Delights presents the much-anticipated second novel in her Victorian-set romantic adventure trilogy. Original.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0515141704
• ISBN13: 9780515141702
• Release Date: August 2006
• Publisher: Jove Books
• Length: 341 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 4.3" x 6.7"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 12 and higher

Customer Reviews

historical romantic adventure

Think The Mummy or Indiana Jones. Cordelia O'Keefe is an adventurer. To fund her next expedition, she's forced to turn to her last resort--Samuel P. Blackburn, the wealthy grandfather who'd disowned her father before Cordelia was even born. Samuel P. is a scheming manipulator, and he agrees, but only if she'll find the "Gift of the Jaguar" for him. And she has to take his fussy, sarcastic butler, Hartford Goodnight along to report back to him. He entrusts the funds to Goodnight so she's not tempted to ditch the butler somewhere along the way. From then on, it's page-turning adventure, with one thrilling situation after another. The quest takes them from Florida to Cuba and then to Mayan ruins in the jungle. They encounter revolutionaries, gun-runners, and natives, some who help them, and some who want to beat them to the treasure and will stop at nothing to get it. They also encounter venomous snakes, quirky donkeys, and a mysterious jaguar, along with an incredible variety of flora. Goodnight turns out to be much more than Cordelia expected, and their romance grows along with their understanding and respect for each other. I really cannot recommend this book highly enough--it's just so much fun! The characters and the situations and the settings are so vivid that it's like watching an adventure movie even for someone as non-visually-oriented as I am. In fact, The Book of True Desires would make a fabulous feature film.

funny & witty

This book is funny and filled with giggle worthy witty dialogues. I especially loved reading Hart's journal entry. I think it's refreshing to read a historical novel with a heroine who's confident, adventurous, and crafty. The hero is a bit uptight so the heroine is a perfect character to loosen him up some. It's a very satisfying read for me.

Terrific Romantic Adventure

Cordelia O'Keefe was a most remarkable woman determined to live her life her way and gaining the respect due an intrepid explorer regardless of the fact of her sex. She needed funding for her latest expedition to Africa and went to an unlikely source - a tight-fisted curmudgeon millionaire Samuel P. Blackburn, who was unaware of her existence as his granddaughter. Not convinced, he reluctantly would fund her expedition but with a different destination in mind. Rather than Africa she would set out for the Mexican Mayan ruins and discover the truth behind some stone carving rubbings he'd obtained referencing the "Gift of the Jaguar". BUT with one other caveat, she would not be going alone, but would take Hardacre's `agent' to accompany her - his impertinent and arrogant butler -- Hartford Goodnight. *** Betina Krahn has consistently come up with some original and uproariously funny stories and in this fully robust entry you'll find no exception. Similar in tone to that of `The Raiders of the Lost Ark' the excitement and adventure is non-stop with well-drawn characters, thrilling escapes, battles at sea and a dangerous trek through the jungles including poisonous snakes, a mysterious jaguar, and the vilest of villains hot on their trail. Cordelia is a fabulous heroine, strong, competent, completely convinced of her own self-worth and is not looking for romance although she suspects that there is more to Hartford Goodnight than meets the eye. In spite of him being a sardonic contrary, priggish, inept British domestic he could also kiss like the very devil and his amazingly trim body seemed to set her on fire! Neither was looking for love, but since when does love ask for permission to happen. Witty dialogues abound from the cheeky one-liners coming from Hart, judiciously sprinkled throughout the text, as well as some of his very clever telling and amusing journal entries. Add to this a cast of quirky and engaging well-drawn characters, including Rita the pregnant `eat anything in her path' donkey and you are sure to enjoy and relish Krahn's latest fabulously adventuresome romantic tale and discover the true `Gift of the Jaguar'. Marilyn Rondeau - RIO - Reviewers International Organization Courtesy of [...].

Adventure, romance, history!

In an industry where too often the "historical" part of historical romance means people wear fancy clothes, Betina Krahn's lush novels break every mold. Every page of this book is steeped in the kind of historical realism that adds so much to the story -- breathtaking escapes from Cuba on the boat of a gun runner, sumptuous evening in Floridian resorts, interesting tidbits about mapmaking, archaeology, early pharmaceuticals... the author has clearly done her research. Fans of romantic adventures from Indiana Jones to The Mummy and Romancing the Stone will love this page turner. These characters aren't the type to hang out in drawing rooms or on ballroom floors. Not when there is treasure to be found or scientific discoveries to unearth. And the characters! Raise your hand if you've had enough of the same old rakes and debutantes. In The Book of True Desires, you have an established adventuress heroine, a woman who is not afraid to go after what she wants (as long as she's got her gun loaded) and yet still appreciates the finer things in life. I admired Cordelia immesely -- her bravery, determination. She was not one of those heroines to whom "spunkiness" is given lip service and little more. She was a strong and fascinating woman. And in Hartford Goodnight, she definitely finds her match. though at first he seems like a staid and uptight *butler*, this is one hero who only gets more interesting and attractive as you peel away the layers. Rest assured, there is MUCH more here than meets the eye, as Cordelia learns to devastating effect. Not exactly mistaken identity, more like a classic example of defying expectations. I think I fell for Goodnight a little bit too. His regular journal entries scattered throughout the book were a fabulous touch. Their romance unfolds naturally, with none of the silly misunderstandings and squabbles so prevalent in other love stories. These are two people with real obstacles to overcome, and their tale is gorgeous and exciting. Don't miss this book. This was my first Betina Krahn, but it's certainly not my last.

The race is on for adventure

Quick witted and the turn of a phrase will keep you laughing, but don't get too comfortable. The next minute you stand on the precipice of danger. The story is fast paced and includes an Oxford educated indentured servant, a swashbuckling pirate, soldiers, snakes, and a panther. Into all this Cordelia O'Keefe Blackburn enters with an objective of fulfilling a deal with her grandfather, and no room for romance. If she can achieve the goal her grandfather has set before her, he will then finance her exploration into Africa and a chance for her to finally be recognized as a true explorer. The race is on, come join the adventure.