Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

The Desire for Dearborne

3.84 of 5 stars 3.84 · rating details · 487 ratings · 43 reviews

Leander Mayfield is the only surviving son of a poor farmer... or so he believes until the day he learns he is in fact the new Earl of Dearborne. Still recovering from a lingering illness, the sensitive young man travels to Great Britain to claim his estate and embarks upon a bewildering new life.

Julien Sutcliffe, the Earl of Blackstone, is suffering from ennui. He's tire...more

Paperback, 276 pages

Published June 15th 2009 by Dreamspinner Press (first published January 1st 2009)

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

The Gentleman and the Rogue by Bonnie Dee

Best Gay Historical Romance

6th out of 273 books — 454 voters

Best Gay Drawn Erotic Book Covers

26th out of 171 books — 218 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 892)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Jul 02, 2009 Elisa Ramblings added it

The first thing that drew me to this novel was the cover... and it was not a surprise to discover that this an Anne Cain's original cover. Since it's a commissioned artwork, it reflects perfectly the story, an historical romance, and the setting, that folly in the background is part of the story. And so it is also explained the second reason I wanted to read this book, it's an historical romance, and so I was expecting another breeches rippers, one of my favorite genre as all you know. And I was...more The first thing that drew me to this novel was the cover... and it was not a surprise to discover that this an Anne Cain's original cover. Since it's a commissioned artwork, it reflects perfectly the story, an historical romance, and the setting, that folly in the background is part of the story. And so it is also explained the second reason I wanted to read this book, it's an historical romance, and so I was expecting another breeches rippers, one of my favorite genre as all you know. And I was not disappointed in my expectation, on the contrary this is "exactly" a real breeches rippers and to be so, one of the main character has to be a sort of damsel in distress, but I'm not saying in a derogatory way.

The book respects all the rule of a Regency Romance, and so we have the dashing and dangerous earl, with a notorious reputation among the ton, and the young and innocent new "beau" of the season, who obviously falls immediately on the net of the aforesaid lord. Only that the "beau" is himself an earl, the American Earl, just arrived from the former colony to claim the title of a distant relative. Leander was the first to be surprised by the turn of the event, he was the fat too often ill third son of a american farmer, forced to bed for most of his childhood and youth. For that reason no one expected from him to be healthy enough to attend College, and so he gave the money his grandfather left for his tuition to his two brother to invest in a merchant ship. Unfortunately the ship, with his two brothers above, got lost at sea, soon after the death for illness of his father, and so, when the news of the inheritance arrived to his american small village, Leander was the only one left to claim the title of Earl of Dearborne.

Now in London he is seen by society like an odd but funny stranger, someone no one has the courage to scorn due to his title and wealth. He also finds a group of aristocratic scholars who share his love for history and books and so he is able to obtain his place among the ton. His strange and secluded upbringing allowed Leander to form a strange way to judge and be judged, and so when he becomes friend with Julien, Earl of Blackstone, he pays little attention to the gossip that the man has "strange" preferences... also since Leander himself is quite attracted by Julien, and starts to wonder if his apparent indifference for women and his only and one interest for a youth friend was not the proof that also him has odd preferences regarding bed companions. Even if innocent, Leander is more than eager to follow his instinct and willing to let Julien being his teacher.

At first Julien is not interest in having an affair with another member of the ton. Due to a bad past experience, Julien reserved himself to pay for his bed partner, and he has a "mistress" settled in a comfortable house. But more or less at the same time of Leander's arrival, Julien is starting to get bored of his temporary partner, and so his interest is sparkled but the young Earl. There is no plan of seduction, instead Julien at first tried to discourage Leander, but when he realizes that the young man is willing, all his reserves are put aside. The conquer is slow but steady, and step by step, Leander experiment a kiss, a stroke, a rub and... well, you can imagine! All Leander's innocence is violated meeting after meeting, but with mutual satisfaction and eager participation. When I said that Leander is a damsel in distress I meant exactly this part of the story, Leander is not a "manly" figure, he was not raised to be a man according to the rule of the XIX century, and so he is extremely innocent and vulnerable; Julien assumes the role of his protector and teacher, and so apparently stronger. But Leander, even if innocent, is smart and clever, only gentler than most of the men.

The fact that their relationship is not something acceptable by the common rules of society and by the law, is not underestimated. It seems that Julien and Leander are excused only due to their high rank position and wealth, but if both of them were not part of the ton, would not be allowed for them to be seen together in society.

Overall the book is almost a classic Regency romance, also in the length, almost 300 pages. I believe that readers like me, who came from an Historical Romance background, will enjoy very much this one. The novel is first in the Timeless Dreams line by Dreamspinner Press, a line I'm sure will love: stories of M/M romance in historical settings. While reaction to same-sex relationships throughout time and across cultures has not always been positive, these stories celebrate M/M love in a manner that may address, minimize, or ignore historical stigma. You can visit the rough and tumble Old West, travel the ancient kingdoms of desert sheikhs, see the black and red lacquer of the Far East, or dance in dramatic Regency England. No matter where or when, in the romantic worlds of Timeless Dreams, our heroes always live happily ever after (description of the line from Dreamspinner Press website).

http://www.amazon.com/dp/1615810099/?...(less)

4 likes · like · see review

Apr 30, 2012 Audrey rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: man-love, historical

I'm torn between giving this book the strongest 3 ever vs. the weakest 4 ever. It's a tough call. The characters were very likable, and it was delicious to see jaded man-about-town Julien as he fell for wide-eyed, naive newcomer Leander.

What drags this story down a little for me, though, is the suspense plot. The bad guy was totally predictable, but even if I were to discount that element, I just thought that there was too much time when the two main characters were not interacting and instead...more

4 likes · like · see review

Apr 19, 2013 Vivian rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: gaymance

My liking of historical romance is growing by each book. I never really was a huge fan of historicals, but it seems that I'm slowing growing more tolerance for it nowadays.

This was a book of well written cliches. The plot was okay, the characters were likable, the romance had me rooting for them (though not with an excess of enthusiasm) but nothing really stands out when I reflect upon it.

It was a good, solid read that probably won't stay with me. The cover is gorgeous though..

1 like · like · see review

Nov 25, 2012 R.S.T. rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m

"The Desire for Dearborne" was an entertaining read, it turned out to be more enjoyable than what I originally thought. What first attracted me was the cover of the book - in which where I thought the art was lovely. What really captured me though was the historical time setting this story was told in. Other things that interested me was how this just didn't focus on gay romance, but society and the ways of society back then and what was expected, and just how coping with society can be difficul...more

like · see review

Nov 25, 2012 Jaya rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: okay, slashreaders

SlashReader: 'The Desire for Dearborne', first off was a well written historical romance. It contained a number the cliche elements dashing earl, a poor but educated and attractive man comes into money, and an evil villain. For the most part I enjoyed this book, I liked watching the two main characters interact with each other. The book was not over polluted with sex scenes, which added to its charm. However, the sex scenes that were included in the book were fairly simple and straight forward....more

like · see review

Oct 26, 2012 Charly rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

The type of Regency romance I longed for growing up

Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.

Rating: 9/10

PROS:
- The idea of a naïve American farm boy being introduced to the London ton is carried out well: Leander comes off as innocent without being childish or annoying.
- There are numerous mentions of texts concerning the Arthurian legends, which several of the characters spend a lot of time studying, and I was pretty impressed at the research Kildaire must have do...more The type of Regency romance I longed for growing up

Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.

Rating: 9/10

PROS:
- The idea of a naïve American farm boy being introduced to the London ton is carried out well: Leander comes off as innocent without being childish or annoying.
- There are numerous mentions of texts concerning the Arthurian legends, which several of the characters spend a lot of time studying, and I was pretty impressed at the research Kildaire must have done to unearth all of the titles. I had no idea there were so many written legends of King Arthur.
- The sex scenes are not very numerous and not at all explicit. Very Regency romancy. I was nervous when I first started reading that the sex scenes would be too graphic for the rest of the storyline, but I thought they were just right.
- There’s about a 50-page section near the story’s close that I couldn’t stop reading. And once the danger had passed, the relationship issues still had to be resolved, so I found the last half of the book to be quite the page-turner.
- Kildaire doesn’t simply ignore the fact that sodomy in 19th-century England was a hanging offense. It’s acknowledged several times, but she deals with it sufficiently enough to put readers at ease with regard to the two heroes’ futures once they get together at the end.

CONS:
- There were a few moments when I got a little lost because so many characters are mentioned in such quick succession. Lord This and Lady That and the Duke of Here and the Earl of There: they all contribute to the setting of high-born London society, but occasionally the number of characters is overwhelming.
- The speed with which the characters progress from frottage to penetration seems rushed. But perhaps that’s just because I’m used to reading contemporary romances, almost all of which use oral sex as an intermediate step between those two.

Overall comments: The setting, the plot, the descriptions, the dialogue…everything is consistent with the Regency romances I read and loved growing up. Only this time, the romance is between two men rather than a man and a woman. What could possibly be better?(less)

like · see review

Feb 27, 2012 Rachel Baloloy rated it 4 of 5 stars

What captured me most about this book is it's set in England with all its interesting hierarchy in play. I love historical books especially about medieval England.

The whole story did enthrall me but not completely that's why I gave it only 4 stars. I do like the way Kildaire set up the two characters and the way she wrote the blossoming of their love. It was okay, but it would have seduced me more if the author emphasized the issues of both parties that have the greatest impact in their relation...more

like · see review

Aug 01, 2009 Erin rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance

If you ignore the dumb title and the hokey cover art, this is actually a really enjoyable book.

My only beefs: I felt like Blackstone should have been chastised and shunned more. He's open about his "preferences for the company of men" and there are whispers, but everyone kind of just shrugs about him. He justifies it by thinking that, because he's an earl, no one will hang him for sodomy. I worried that Dearborne also might be too feminine; he has a weak constitution and is ill most of the nove...more

4 likes · like · see review

Mar 15, 2013 Lilia Ford rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: great-cover, mm-historical

Enjoyable M/M historical fiction with two winning leads. Leander is especially adorable as the wide-eyed American, trying to deal with his new title. Though there isn't a huge amount of sex, I really liked his relationship with Julien, and found most of the stuff about his entry into society, his earnest love of all things Arthurian, and the discovery that he's gay really well done. I also thought Kildaire did a great job with Julien's various friends and relatives and the glimpses of gay cultur...more

like · see review

Jul 14, 2012 Jennifer Lavoie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebooks, gay, historical, lgbt, person-library, regency, romance

Really enjoyed this book. I started reading it some time ago and finally finished. I enjoy regency romances, and more so when they involve two men. This one was different because the new Earl was an American who inherited his fortune. There were quite a few twists and turns throughout the story, and I figured out what happened before it was revealed.

The reason I did not give the book five stars is because I was a little disappointed by how quickly the author gave away who had done it by suddenl...more

like · see review

Jan 20, 2010 Kathy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebook, favourite, keeper, m-m, romance

I love romance; I love M/M romance and I love historicals. On all three counts V.B. Kildaire has written a winner. This is an amazing story, and the fact that this is Ms. Kildaire's first really excites me. There is so much promise and so much more to look forward to.

I love Leander and Julien; their openness is what really drew me to them along with the sizzling attraction. They're wonderfully wrought characters, full of life and personality that you can't help but find compelling.
And the second...more

2 likes · like · see review

Apr 21, 2013 Ayanna rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed, aaaaaawwww

O: I SEE "CONSUMPTIVE"
Julio, look at what you've done to me.

I like it. Leander, first off, has a really cool name. In addition, he's naive, yes, but not altogether stupid. It's rather refreshing. He's not an ingenue. It's cool.

So, yeah. It was good; I quite liked it, but then it was plot, plot, plot, random intrigue that wasn't bad, deus ex machina Absolution of Responsibilities, stalking, pretty much a farcical chase scene, random stuff, more sex. Actually, the sex wasn't bad, I guess. It was.....more

4 likes · like · see review

Oct 09, 2012 Tʀɪsʜᴀ Hᴀʀʀɪɴɢᴛᴏɴ rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical

This book was really good and the couple it was based on were really good together and I loved both Leander and Julien together. One of the problems was the book in parts was a bit boring and the evil character was not much of a shock. Nothing in this book was for me which is why I was disappointed with it and marked it down one star. The story was really good though and if there had been at least one shock in this book it would be five stars but it was predictable. I really loved Leander and ho...more

1 like · like · see review

Oct 01, 2009 Daisiemae rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: book-of-the-month-challenge, books-read-in-2009, books-reviewed-in-2009, books-to-i-will-never-part-with, male-male-romance-erotica, historical, favorite-heroes, virgin-hero

When I read Desire for Dearborne by V.B. Kildaire, several things struck me about this wonderful book. It reminded me how much I miss reading historical romances. It’s unfortunate that there aren’t more historically based homoerotic romances available. I know it’s harder for the heroes to end up with a happy ever after, so many authors avoid this theme, but this author was able to not only make this book very loving and romantic, it had a great ending as well.

Desire for Dearborne read like an ol...more When I read Desire for Dearborne by V.B. Kildaire, several things struck me about this wonderful book. It reminded me how much I miss reading historical romances. It’s unfortunate that there aren’t more historically based homoerotic romances available. I know it’s harder for the heroes to end up with a happy ever after, so many authors avoid this theme, but this author was able to not only make this book very loving and romantic, it had a great ending as well.

Desire for Dearborne read like an old school romance novel and I loved it. Our hero, Leander Mayfield, has recently found out he has inherited the esteemed title of becoming the Earl of Dearborne from his long lost grandfather. Since Leander has lived in America all of his life, the news comes as quite a shock. His two beloved older brothers were lost at sea, leaving Leander alone and practically penniless, so when he finds out he’s not only an Earl, but a rich one at that, he immediately hops on a boat to England to start his new life.

Leander has had much loss in his life. He was a sickly child, so he has a long time love affair with books and knowledge. Throughout his childhood and until now, Leander has had several bouts of sickness which he has recovered from. Because of this, he is quite shy and is often misunderstood. But, Leander also has a zest for life. Even though he makes mistakes, he embraces his new life, as much as Leander’s shyness and consideration will allow.

When Leander meets Julien Sutcliff, the Earl of Blackstone, he feels an immediate connection with him. Julien’s roguish behavior and known preference for male companionship instead of females, often keep the ton’s tongues wagging. But, Leander doesn’t believe rumors, nor does he care that Julien is attracted to men. As the men become more acquainted, Leander himself, starts to realize that he has always been attracted to men, especially Julien.

Julien has never been ashamed of her attraction to men. Aware of his reputation as a sodimite and a debaucher of innocents, he has deliberately had relationships with kept men, instead of other men of his station. Being around the innocent and sweetly shy Leander brings out his protective instincts and makes him emotionally raw, which he has never felt before.

When Leander’s life is suddenly in danger, decisions must be made. Should they ignore the love between them, or fight to be in each other’s arms forever?

I loved this book and I can’t wait to read more by this author. The story itself is fast paced and there is an element of suspense and mystery to it, also that keeps the story interesting as well. I would not category this book as erotic, though. I would consider this more sensual, which I enjoyed just as much, because of the intimacy and feelings Leander and Julien share between them.

5+ stars
(less)

23 likes · like · see review

Nov 04, 2012 Pamela Craft Jenewein rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m-stories

This Victorian novel was entertaining that possesses a smooth, steady-paced plot but engaging throughout. It’s been a while since reading a novel of more than 250 pages however, this book remains fresh with unwavering fascination to the last page.

Julien and Leander are splendid, adorable and charming, while their blooming romance sweet and stimulating. It was pleasant to witness a dedicated British rakehell changed forever by an American yank.

I’ll keep this little gem on my “to-read-again” she...more

like · see review

Jul 05, 2011 TerriC. rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: i-own-this

PUB. INFO: Dreamspinner Press June 2009
GENRE: Male/Male Romance
SETTING: England, 1800s
HEROES: Leander Mayfield, 22
Julien Sutcliffe, 31
GRADE: A/4.5 stars

This was an enjoyable read. It held my interest with no problem. Both lead characters are very likable. Leander seemed so sweet and innocent. Julian is a confident man who lives his life as he chooses. He isn’t worried about what society thinks of him. Julian was instantly attracted to Leander from the start and Leander was intrigued by Julian. I...more

like · see review

Jun 13, 2011 Nimue rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: gay, historical, 2011

I'm a big fan of gay romance books. And I love historical romances. This book combines these two categories and I was eager to read it.
Leander is a young american who comes into succesion of an english Earldom. He is very young, innocent and insecure. With no friends and a bad health he is not prepared for english high society. He is interested in Julien Sutcliffe, who is well known for his interest in men. They fall in love and everything seems to be fine, when Leander is abducted and his lost...more

like · see review

Nov 13, 2011 C.J. Anthony rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ebooks-on-my-nook

I don't read many historicals but I watched the movie Jane Eyre and suddenly found myself intrigued by what a M/M historical would be like. :)

I already had this one on my Nook so I read it, and really liked it. I liked that the two MCs equally wanted to be with each other, unlike the typical M/F historical "bodice rippers" where the woman is too prim and proper and amazed to be so attracted to the brutish man.

The MC's are both Earls in an aristocratic society that "looks the other way" for the m...more

like · see review

Apr 12, 2011 Sarah rated it 4 of 5 stars

Leander is new Earl in town, and is happily taken under the wing of Julien. When their attachment finally becomes seriously romantic, Leander finds himself in more and more danger as an unknown person attempts to bring them both down. Will he and Julien be able to overcome and what's more be accepted by their friends and family?

What can I say? This is sexy, well written Gay Historical Fiction. I'll admit some of it was very predictable, but overall, I loved it. ♥

like · see review

Jan 27, 2011 miss_chams rated it 3 of 5 stars

It was very sweet though honestly I've read better and got bored with the ending. If you want a stereotypical historical romance involving 2 guys, suspiciously and conveniently accepting friends and family, smut that's appropriate and not overdone, rescuing of the damsel in distress (as played by a bookish, sickly young man - though don't get me wrong, he thankfully still reads like a man) and a happy ending then you could do a lot worse than this book.

1 like · like · see review

May 06, 2010 Rhianon rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, m-m, romance, five-star-rec-s

A beautiful blend of regency historical fiction and m/m romance. Though it has the genre cliche's, so to speak, this book is well written with authentic, developed characters that more than make up the difference.

This is the first such cross-genre of its kind that I've read, and the quality of the end result will certainly leave me with very high standards for future forays. Definitely a strong recommendation.

like · see review

Sep 04, 2009 LdDurham rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m-romance, gay-fiction

This was a fun and sweet tale with all the hallmarks of a lovely historical romance. The fact that our heroes were nearly openly gay in a time in which it was a hanging offense was handled well, I thought, and I was relieved to find a happy ending.

Fun read all the way around. Only thing I could knock it for was for having a bad editor who didn't weed out the typos. Other than that, I enjoyed it heartily.

2 likes · like · see review

Oct 16, 2010 Lightreads rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, erotica, historical, lgbt, romance

Comfort food. Kind of like a box of macaroni and cheese with the little pouch of nuclear byproduct orange powder.

Rather remarkably like, come to think of it.

Gay British-American aristocratic regency (well Georgian if you really want to get technical which I don’t) romance – flirtations plots porn misunderstandings kidnappings more plots pistols resolutions more porn I feel better now.

1 like · like · see review

Apr 25, 2011 Camille rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance-regency, kindle-version, m-m-romance, 2011

Perpetually sick and bookish Leander Mayfield travels to London to become the new Earl of Dearborne. London is a bit much for this poor American farmer who prefers to spend his time reading about King Arthur. Now meet Julien Sutcliffe, the Earl of Blackstone, whose reputation preceeds him for liking "the company of men." Julien is immediately drawn to Leander and the romance begins... but wait! There is a plot afoot to steal the Earldom from Leander!

Overall this was quite an enjoyable read. At t...more

like · see review

Apr 22, 2012 Kinny rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: mm, so-cute

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

like · see review

Apr 14, 2012 Jess Candela rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m, read-in-2012

I want to say something about this book but I'm not quite sure what. I struggled with what to rate it, finally settling on 4.5 rounded up to 5, but I'm not certain of that. I loved it, enjoyed the characters and story and was engrossed. It reminded me of the m/f historical romances I used to read so many of, the good ones. So why my hesitation?

1 like · like · see review

May 12, 2011 Beth rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: british, historical, m-m, romance

I greatly enjoyed this Regency romance with m/m characters. Kildaire deftly weaves balls, matchmaking mamas, visits to gentlemen's clubs, house parties and shopping on Bond Street into a story of m/m love that is sensual rather than erotic. This is my second book by this author and I would highly recommend her to fans of Regency and m/m stories.

like · see review

Jan 16, 2013 Voidmancer rated it 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable read, if not just a bit predictable. I knew who would be the villain immediately, even if there were some parts of the book which liked to be a bit misleading. Still, it was a nice, sweet read and it's great how everything was resolved in the end.

like · see review

Jul 13, 2011 Carolyn88 rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m-romance

This was a wonderful historical novel. It takes place in England with Lords and Ladies. The author was very good.. I will enjoy reading more of VB Kildaire's work.

like · see review

Jan 29, 2012 Denise rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-2012

Highly enjoyable M/M historical romance read. Loved both characters and story very much. Looking forward to reading more from this author!

like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 29 30 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »

Recommend it | Stats | Recent status updates

combine
Other Editions (4)

Genres

Romance > M M Romance

77 users

Romance

33 users

Romance > Historical Romance

14 users

Historical Fiction

9 users

Regency

6 users

Glbt > Gay

6 users

Glbt

5 users

Novels

5 users

European Literature > British Literature

3 users

Adult

2 users

See top shelves...

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About V.B. Kildaire

V.B. Kildaire is a Canadian prairie girl from Manitoba who has worked at a national park, a radio station, and a family-owned store. She has an unhealthy obsession with mad monarchs and unexplained history. She is also servant to a very spoiled cat.

Visit her blog at http://vbkildaire.livejournal.com/.

More about V.B. Kildaire...

Books by V.B. Kildaire

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About The Desire for De...

No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »

title link	preview: The Desire for Dearborne
avg rating	preview: The Desire for Dearborne Goodreads rating: 3.84 (487 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6549935-the-desire-for-dearborne?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347243209l/6549935.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6549935-the-desire-for-dearborne?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]The Desire for Dearborne by V.B. Kildaire[/url]

The Desire for Dearborne

Friend Reviews

Community Reviews

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website