Lorraine Heath, As An Earl Desires - In 1879, Archibald Warner struggles with the pomp and circumstance of being the new Earl of Sacshe although his predecessor's widow Camilla offers plenty of help and advice on etiquette. Camilla makes it clear to Arch that she will find him a proper wife and in the process plans to marry a duke. Arch does not want any acceptable spouse; he wants Camilla, who is two years younger than him. She refuses to consider being his spouse as she is barren and he needs an heir.

As Camilla pushes respect over love, Arch showers her with kindness, even telling his solicitor to back off on how she spends his money and occasionally steals a kiss that always jolts her. He plans to marry Camilla or no one, but he knows how difficult that will be to achieve as she is stubborn and her late spouse, his predecessor, scarred her mentally, hopefully not for life.

Victorian romance readers will enjoy Lorraine Heath's latest historical starring a wonderful male protagonist. Fans at first will dislike Camilla as being a snob, but change their tune as they get to really know her especially what she does with her "excesses" and how her past (childhood poverty and the previous Earl) shaped her present. It is the change in attitude by the audience towards the female lead that makes this a fine tale while showcasing Ms. Heath's storytelling skills.

Harriet Klausner