Sourcebooks Casablanca is reproducing a set of books in order to revive a few classic romances which have gone out of print. Up first is Devil’s Desire by Laurie McBain, which was originally published in 1975. Devil’s Desire follows Elysia, an orphan residing with her cruel aunt. She longs to get away, however, the only option she sees is a marriage of convenience to Lord Alex Trevegne—a rake known as ‘The Devil’.

The jealous/possessive hero (i.e., Heathcliff) has never been my cup of tea and that’s what we have here with Lord Alex Trevegne so I was immediately turned-off. There’s a fine line dividing a tortured-soul and an asshole. Alex was borderline sadistic, in my opinion. Elysia fought back (though mainly verbally), but I just kept thinking “why the hell would anyone fall in love with someone like this?!” I understand that as a historical, one has to take into account how life would have been for a woman but … blah. I’d take living with the aunt, methinks–mind blowing, rakish sex or not.

I’m giving this 1.5/5 as I just wasn’t feeling it. Apparently “bodice rippers” aren’t my thing. I don’t do the “you belong to me, you will obey” romance (if you can even call that mindset romantic…) but to each their own. Perhaps if this is something up your alley, you might want to give it a go. I know there’s a good many McBain fans out there so this type of romance is definitely a personal preference sort of thing.

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Plot:
Elysia is an orphan and is staying with her horrible aunt who treats her like dirt. Trying to get away she is caught in a marriage of convenience, with Lord Alex Trevegne, a man called the Devil. She takes her away to his castle, and they clash at every turn.

My thoughts:
I am going to be brutally honest, I hated the hero. I mean I love a good tortured hero, but Alex, was an ass. He was cruel, angry, hot tempered, mean, hated him. He wants her, he plays games with her to get her to succumb to his will, he is jealous, and ok I can't seem to have anything nice to say about him. Except that he is good to his servants and horses.

Elysia was sweet, and she didn't let him put her down, her tongue was poisonous, and I liked her. The Devil got what he deserved from her. Their love affair, suddenly she knew she loved him..why? And even when he expressed his love, I didn't know what to feel. Also the first them they had sex, I was not approving of it. Even lost in passion, the way he brought it forward didn't suit me. I fear it might come from the book being published in the 70s. Like that was how men should be then.

I am not hating the book, no it was actually ok, I enjoyed it even when hating her aunt, him, and his evil ex mistress. Then there was action because of a smuggler ring, and that brought the tempo up. And I still wanted to see if these two could get a HEA, cos honestly it seemed impossible, and I would just have left if I was her. He was never physically enforced his will or anything, no no, then I would thrown the book at the wall. I just wished he could have been nicer, but the thing was, he just needed a wife, he didn't need to love her.

Final thoughts and recommendation:
No here it's where it get tricky, if you have read something else by her then you will surely enjoy this one. But I feel there are more romantic books out there. I will give it a 2,5 because, it was ok, and I would like to see if she has a hero that is a bit less of a Devil. I liked the book, I just didn't like him ( )

DEVIL'S DESIRE by Laurie McBain is an exciting, thrill ride of historical romance/suspense set in Regency England. It is a reissued work from 1975. It is well written with details, depth, fast paced, twists, turns and thrill ride to be sure. It has romance, deceit, betrayal, passion, spies, smugglers,defiance, stubborn-willful woman, a determined, arrogant man, adventure,intertwined story throughout, colorful characters, and love of country. The hero, Alex, is arrogant, seductive, a rake, considered the Devil himself, lucky at everything he does and about to meet his true love. The heroine, Elysia, is beautiful, penniless, strong willed, independent, hair red gold, and about to meet Alex, the Devil himself and her true love. Alex is bewitched by Elysia. They are throw together a scandal together. Alex determined to marry her for he has ever meet anyone so bewitching. They marry, out necessary for Elysia, but sparks fly, wits matched. What Alex believes is betrayal does and say hurtful things to Elysia, who has fallen in love with him. Things are amidst, as a smuggler ring is close, Elysia's brother who she believes is dead is not. He is actually undercover to capture a French spy. Alex knowing little of Elysia's past, feels betrayed, distance himself from her. Elysia, believes Alex is in love with someone while Alex believes she has a lover.This is a wonderful, compelling story of how to learn to trust, love and find true happiness.This is the first of this author's books I have read, and I will be looking forward to her next. I would highly recommend this book especially if you enjoy a happy ending, adventure, suspense and finding yourself.You will laugh, cry and set on the edge of your seat hoping everything will work out for this wonderfully matched couple. This book was received for review from the publisher and details can be found at Sourcebooks and My Book Addiction and More. ( )

Running away from a cruel aunt who wants to force her orphaned niece into the arms of a middle-aged, unappealing widower, Miss Elysia Demarice is compromised into a marriage with London rake Lord Alex Trevegne. Virginal faintings and deflowerings commence amid misunderstandings and haughty glances as the two finally realize the passion and everlasting love between them is the real deal.

Thank goodness romance novels have evolved over the last 35 years. I remember thinking how racy this book seemed when I read it last. Now it seems dated, tame, and slow-moving. The hero seems modeled after a modernized Mr. Rochester, but at least the heroine has a little spunk. That was new at the time and I remember I thought the novel was a scorcher. So yeah, read it at your own peril now. ( )