Customer Reviews

As You Desire

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Set in Victorian Egypt, As You Desire is the story of Harry Braxton, an English entrepreneur-archeologist-adventurer and Desdemona Carlisle, a translator who is living with her archeologist grandfather.

Desdemona, or "Dizzy", as Harry calls her, was a child prodigy who knows twelve languages. Her parents took her around the world when she was a child, showing her off to scholars and basically isolating her, so now she has a tendency to spin romantic daydreams and get into scrapes. The only real friend she has is Harry, with whom she fell in love five years ago, when she first came to live with her grandfather in Egypt. However, she once foolishly offered herself to Harry and was turned away, and now she thinks her eyes have been opened to the "real" Harry--he may be a friend, but he's an unscrupulous businessman and is a shameless opportunist as well.

Harry is secretly crazy in love with Dizzy, and has been for years, but he has a devastating secret that prevents him from declaring his love to her. Instead, he settles for being her friend and all-around tormenter, always rescuing her from scrapes and never letting her forget his existence.

Then, Harry's aristocratic cousin arrives from England, and he is exactly what Dizzy thinks she wants: the perfect English gentleman, brooding, and dark and handsome. So maybe he's a bit dull and self-centered, but he's interested in her. Harry realizes that he has to fight to keep Dizzy, and Dizzy comes to see that perhaps the heroes of our dreams don't make such great heroes in real life. But before they can have their Happily Ever After, they have to deal with twisted old enemies, desert slave traders, misguided friends, and their own insecurities.

The *idea* of this books is great, and the characters are entirely sympathetic and likeable, but Brockway's language and execution are quite choppy. However, Harry is enough to give the book five stars. He's a character whom you rarely encounter in romance novels: a hero who has had a lot of challenges in his life, but who works hard to overcome his problems and retains a big heart (instead of dwelling on those problems and becoming bitter against the injustice of the world.) Desdemona is a likeable heroine, and her uncertainties concerning the soundness of her judgment and what her desires are are understandable. Other characters, such as the other woman, the guardian grandfather, and the other man, thankfully do NOT come from central casting, and add depth to this very charming romance.

As You Desire is my least favorite among talented Connie Brockway's novels, which is to say that it is still quite good in terms of setting, dialogue, character development and character repartee. Nevertheless, I found myself bored because I disliked the hero as well as the absence of much action.

Desdemona Carlisle has been raised in Victorian Egypt by her grandfather since the death of her parents many years ago in England. She flourishes in this sensuous landscape full of mystery, antiquity and the heady freedom she does not realize she could never possess back in restrictive England. She'd love to bask in Egypt's warmth and culture forever but is trying to convince herself she wants to go back to England because she mistakenly believes her grandfather wishes to return to gain the recognition he deserves as an accomplished Egyptologist. In the meantime, Desdemona indulges her love of Egyptian antiquities and her multilingual talents collecting and translating ancient papyri, etc.

Harry Braxton has been "Dizzy's" best friend for many years, though it still stings her that Harry refused to make love to her five years before when she offered him her body and heart. Harry is supposed to be a charming rogue, but he comes across as a manipulative opportunist, a ne'er do well who deceives his precious Dizzy about his passionate feelings for her because he's too cowardly to admit to her his "defect" (dyslexia). In the meantime, he shadily acquires then sells off Egyptian antiquities to the highest bidders.

The attitude of nonchalance and bravado that Harry outwardly projects along with his inner fear to court Dizzy until his insipid cousin Blake is on the verge of proposing to her made me lose all sympathy and respect for him. When Harry redeems himself-and Brockway tries to make him come off as a highly ethical and courageous man who's simply been misunderstood-it's too late for me to buy it. Also, though some of the dialogue was clever, which I enjoyed, I kept waiting in frustration for something to happen. Other than Dizzy being kidnapped twice and Harry saving her, nothing happens apart from a few social outings and Dizzy nursing a wounded Harry back to health.

Brockway does a good job of bringing the sights and smells of Victorian Egypt to life, but this and the repartee can't save a novel sinking under the weight of an unsympathetic hero and little diverting action.

I read alot of romances and this is the one I keep coming back to when I want to read a romance novel that satisfies on every level. Dizzy and harry are a perfect match for one another, their encounters are funny and warm and romantic. Connie Brockway makes the time and place come alive. I wish someone would make a movie out of this book!!!

Connie Brockway is one of my favorite authors, and this book shines as her best. Different, quirky and exotic, lovers of Elizabeth Peters will recognize the setting and atmosphere while enjoying Brockway's unique way with words. Brockway's the only author I know who can make me smell the odors, see the beauty, and feel the passion. Great stuff! Buy this book!

When we first meet Desdemona Carlisle she's bored, bound, a bit tipsy on fermented milk and awaiting the auctioning block. She's an Englishwoman and has been abducted by an overzealous young Arab. A romantic, Desdemona begins to fantasize about how exciting it might be to bought by a desert Prince. Then opportunist Harry Braxton shows up to save her hide. She can't believe her rotten luck and tells him, "If you bought me I'll kill you!".

Thus begins this truly fun, character driven, adventurous read. We soon find out why Dizzy (as Harry so charmingly calls her) is so disappointed with her savior. He is the scoundrel who broke her heart several years earlier. Unable to avoid each other (he's an archeologist often in need of Dizzy's translation skills) they have forged a platonic friendship.

Dizzy never had a childhood. A child prodigy, her parents forced her to study languages and traveled around the world to show off her talents. When her parents died her Egyptologist Grandfather brought her to Cairo and she has been eking out a living using her language skills. Her fondest dream is living a normal life in England but, unfortunately, she's broke.

She loves Harry but will never allow him to hurt her again. When Harry's hunky, brooding cousin Lord Ravenscroft shows up in Egypt she realizes he may just be the perfect antidote to Harry. Blake is a boring, sensible, uptight fuddy-duddy. He's everything her head tells her she needs ~- if she could only convince her heart she'd be all set.

Harry (of course) loves Dizzy but he is unwilling to allow her to give up her dreams to make him happy so he pushes her away for her own good. He is hiding a painful secret that makes him feel inadequate and he will not return to England after his dreadful childhood. But when she starts making eyes at his priggish cousin he loses all sense of his faculties.

I don't want to give too much away of this irresistible story so I'll just say that these two have my vote for most lovable couple of the year! They compliment each other perfectly in every way. Harry is a wonderfully original wounded hero. He's a man man enough to admit his love (there's no annoying denial of feelings going on with this guy!), shed a few tears, and face down a madman for the woman he loves. Dizzy (despire her name) is intelligent, strong, funny and she reads erotic scrolls when no one is looking. She's a romantic and a heroine the reader can easily relate to. These two people are so real they leap off the page and the hot desert sun is the perfect back drop for the super steamy tension they create.

I'm sorry, I have to disagree with all the glowing reviews of this forgettable piece of fluff. This is a novel that you will forget you have read within 24 hours. It is truly a junk read. There were no characters, only marks on the floor where cartoon standins for characters might eventually appear. It had the tone of a "light-hearted romantic comedy" without actually supplying any humor, romance or heart. It had all the depth of a comic book, with less artistry....

It's 1890 in the Egyptian desert and a perfect setting for a touching romance. Harry Braxton and Desdemona (Dizzy)Carlisle, both from England, have been close friends for five years and neither will admit they are desperately in love with the other.

As You Desire is truly the most enjoyable book I have read from page one. The first pages of the book grab you quickly and by page ten, you are swept up in Harry and Dizzy's relationship and laughing and sighing over the fantastic hero, Harry. The first half of the book had me laughing again and again.

The synopsis on the back of the book refers to Harry as a notorious rake. I did not see him in this manner. He has a real heart and his character is written well as a very desirable but concientious man. He adores Dizzy but hides from her a problem that he fears would repulse her. Reading the book, I did not understand the seriousness of his problem, but once I finished the book, I read the author's notes at the end of the book and realized that his problem was considered to be very significant in 1890. I suggest that you read the author's notes before beginning the book to understand many of Harry's feelings.

Dizzy has thrown herself at Harry three years earlier and he had refused her advances due to her young age and his hidden problem. She was a child genius and is now a talented translator of ancient manuscripts. She is a very likable heroine and is embarassed by her earlier overtures that Harry declined. She longs to return to England someday.

Harry and Dizzy enjoy their close friendship. When Harry's handsome cousin comes to visit him from England, he fears Dizzy is slipping away from him and sees her welcoming his cousin's attentions. The romance between Harry and Dizzy develops quickly at this point and it is one of the sweetest I have read. Connie Brockway is a fantastic author and does no formula romance writing. Everything about this book is fresh and unusual. Although I feared some misunderstandings arising towards the middle of the book, this author simply does not write silly misunderstanding between her love leads as we so often see in historical romance novels. Harry and Dizzy are each very hesistant to reach beyond the confines of their friendship. They communicate well and don't get lost in lies. There is a beautiful sensual scene between the two that I would rate about a three (see more about me for these guidelines) but this is a story that does not need additional sensual writing.

The action of this book is quick for the first half, then falters for another fourth of the book and then picks back up to deliver a very satisfying ending. This is a book you will probably want to save to read again someday. I read many books each week and find I remember few storylines. This is one story that has stayed with me for months now. It is simply outstanding.

What a fantastic read! I, like most of you, feel I'm a rather jaded, finicky reader, and I found myself completely immersed in "As You Desire," growling at anyone who dared to disturb me while I devoured it!

Living in Victorian Egypt with her distracted grandfather, Desdemona fell in love with the irrascibly charming, sexy, life-loving Harry at 17 and threw herself at him one night. Harry, an opportunist with a ne'er-do-well reputation, is far from un-moved by "Dizzy's" virginal adoration, but panics and rebuffs her in a way that left her ego badly bruised. She is, after all, practically still a child. Three years hence, the two maintain a very enjoyable, teasing, close friendship, but with a wary undercurrent of deep emotional and physical attraction (they love one another!) Dizzy vows never to make a fool of herself again, certain Harry views her as he would a sister, and ever mindful of her shameful thwarted seduction; Harry, who's heart fairly beats out of his breast when near Dizzy, struggles to maintain a flippant, brotherly relationship with her. The intelligent, golden Dizzy would be horrified, or worse, pity him if she knew his shameful secret.

Harry is THE most romantic hero one could possibly ask for, and who could help but see why he fell so deeply in love with Desdemona? One moment he's grinning impishly, engaging in teasing repartee with Dizzy; next, he's heartbreakingly vulnerable as he watches, helplessly, as Dizzy convinces herself she's in love with his dashing cousin, Lord Ravenswood.

The setting, Victorian Egypt, is a refreshing one, and there is a dangerous enemy lurking in the background as well, adding a dash of intrigue and suspense.

Secondary characters are superb. Love scenes are pulse-racing and devastatingly romantic. *sigh*

Other reviews have revealed that Harry's dreadful "secret" is dyslexia. Though this may not seem worthy, in this day and age, of being a source of torment to Harry, please keep in mind that his "problem" was considered to be indicative of gross mental deficiency - even insanity - in this period in history.

Another fantastic read by Ms. Brockway!

I absolutely love this book. I bought it about 5 years ago and I still re-read it today. I think that Desdomena and Harry are fabulous characters. The dialogue between them is some of the best I have ever read. I think that the setting is marvalous too. Colonial Egypt has a great mystique and it allows the characters to have the special quirks which make them so memorable and enchanting.

A good plot, wonderful location, hunky hero and beautiful girl, but - - please, Connie Brockway, get a thesaurus. Way too many "insouciants" and "piquants." It really distracted from the story. Other than that, enjoy.