Books › Rebellious Desire
Rebellious Desire
First published 1992 · 391 pages
A fiery battle of wills between an unstoppable American force and an immovable aristocratic object.
What it feels like
Reading this classic historical romance feels like stepping into a delightfully spirited battle of wits, where the sparks of antagonism inevitably ignite into sweeping passion. The narrative moves at a brisk, dialogue-driven pace, keeping you thoroughly entertained as a fiercely independent heroine repeatedly confounds a famously arrogant duke. There is a cozy, escapist warmth to the atmosphere, balanced by just enough external danger to push the protagonists into each other's arms. The prose is accessible and unapologetically romantic, leaning heavily on sharp banter and grand emotional declarations rather than dense historical detail. It is a perfect comfort read for anyone who delights in the taming of the alpha trope, offering a deeply satisfying journey from stubborn pride to fierce, protective devotion.
- Mood
- passionate
- adventurous
- escapist
- swoony
- Tone
- playful
- romantic
- humorous
- melodramatic
- Pace
- brisk
- Themes
- battle of wills · taming the alpha · culture clash · love forged in danger
- The writing
- Dialogue-heavy and fast-paced, leaning into witty banter and sweeping emotional declarations.
- The arc
- Moves from fiery, stubborn antagonism to a passionate, fiercely protective devotion.
- Who it's for
- Readers who love classic, banter-filled historical romances where a fiercely independent heroine brings a haughty, powerful duke to his knees.
Content notes
- kidnapping
- period-typical sexism
- mild violence
About the book
Of all the dukes in England, Jered Marcus Benton, the Duke of Bradford, was the wealthiest, most handsome — and most arrogant. And of all London’s ladies, he wanted the tender obedience of only one — Caroline Richmond. She was a ravishing beauty from Boston, with a mysterious past and a fiery spirit. Drawn to the powerful duke, undeterred by his presumptuous airs, Caroline was determined to win his lasting love. But Bradford would bend to no woman — until a deadly intrigue drew them enticingly close. Now, united against a common enemy, they would discover the power of the magnificent attraction that brought them together...a desire born in danger, but destined to flame into love!
Description from Open Library.
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