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Romance #11
Desire by Starlight
Best-selling romance author Jenna Hardy, aka Cassandra Hart, sprints through life from one appearance to the next, always on deadline, always in demand, always on the arm of a different beautiful woman. She has no personal life because her entire existence is public, and part of her appeal. She loves the tempo, the power, the thrill until the pace catches up to her and she collapses at a book signing. Her doctor orders rest, her editor wants a three book series yesterday, and her attorney informs her she has just inherited a farm in the backcountry of Vermont. Divine intervention or Fate's little joke? The only thing that might possibly save her from dying of boredom during a summer of forced R&R is a dalliance with Gardner Davis, the local vet. Unfortunately, everything about Jenna’s high-profile lifestyle is exactly what Gard wants to leave far, far behind, that and a dark secret that haunts the new life she’s made.
264 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2010
25 people are currently reading
346 people want to read
About the author
Radclyffe
163 books1,678 followersRadclyffe has written over forty-five romance and romantic intrigue novels, dozens of short stories, and, writing as L.L. Raand, has authored a paranormal romance series, The Midnight Hunters. She has also edited Best Lesbian Romance 2009 through 2015 as well as multiple other anthologies. She is an eight-time Lambda Literary Award finalist in romance, mystery, and erotica—winning in both romance and erotica. A member of the Saints and Sinners Literary Hall of Fame, she is also an RWA Prism, Lories, Beanpot, Aspen Gold, and Laurel Wreath winner in multiple mainstream romance categories. In 2014, she received the Dr. James Duggins Outstanding Mid-Career Novelist award from the Lambda Literary Foundation. In 2004, she founded Bold Strokes Books, an independent LGBTQ publishing company, and in 2013, she founded the Flax Mill Creek Writers Retreat offering writing workshops to authors in all stages of their careers.
She states, “I began reading lesbian fiction at the age of twelve when I found a copy of Ann Bannon’s Beebo Brinker. That book and others like it convinced me that I was not alone, that there were other women who felt like I did. Our literature provides support and validation and very often, a lifeline, for members of our community throughout the world. I am proud and honored to be able to publish the many fine authors at Bold Strokes Books and to contribute in some small way to the words that celebrate the LGBTQ experience.”
Radclyffe lives with her partner, Lee, in New York state.
She states, “I began reading lesbian fiction at the age of twelve when I found a copy of Ann Bannon’s Beebo Brinker. That book and others like it convinced me that I was not alone, that there were other women who felt like I did. Our literature provides support and validation and very often, a lifeline, for members of our community throughout the world. I am proud and honored to be able to publish the many fine authors at Bold Strokes Books and to contribute in some small way to the words that celebrate the LGBTQ experience.”
Radclyffe lives with her partner, Lee, in New York state.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
February 9, 2019
Humph! I think Radclyffe is the star of the gene - but it felt she was coasting - is this a Contractual Obligation Book? Good main characters but short on depth and ended as if there is to be a sequel. Enjoyed, don't get me wrong, but this was not a vintage offering.
October 11, 2018
Its been a while since I’ve read a Radclyffe book ! Maybe that’s why I was so into it and loved every second of it!! 4.5 rounded up to 5 as I was just missing a little bit more depth into the characters ..
September 23, 2017
Why did a distant relative leave Jenna Hardy her property? What was this relative like? Will other family members from Jenna's past come back into her life? What horrible secrets keep Gard from letting herself love? These are some pretty big questions the reader might have while going through is book. Unfortunately, we only get partial answers, and not to all the questions. What we do find out ends up feeling incredibly unsatisfying after the build up the book provides. If a writer goes out of their way to set up a certain premise, why not use that premise to tell the story?
January 28, 2019
The thing I enjoyed most about this story was the sexual tension between the two main characters. Not sure what that says about me, but hey, it was fun. My usual Radclyffe writing quirks apply. These include in your face exposure of the characters' main flaw at the end of chapters and exploding body parts at the point of orgasm. It gets old quickly.
I felt this should have been just a little bit longer, the ending seemed to arrive while I was still exploring the characters. This may have been due to an imbalance of the build up of Jenna and Gard's past. Jenna's is talked about quite openly in the narration but Gard's is kept a secret from the reader aside from a couple of hints. When the reveal finally came right at the end, Gard's terrible secret was somewhat underwhelming to me. I was expecting something more, such as the art dealer to recognise her or something as a twist, but it just seemed to fizzle a bit.
A relatively decent and fast read but I have read better from Radclyffe.
I felt this should have been just a little bit longer, the ending seemed to arrive while I was still exploring the characters. This may have been due to an imbalance of the build up of Jenna and Gard's past. Jenna's is talked about quite openly in the narration but Gard's is kept a secret from the reader aside from a couple of hints. When the reveal finally came right at the end, Gard's terrible secret was somewhat underwhelming to me. I was expecting something more, such as the art dealer to recognise her or something as a twist, but it just seemed to fizzle a bit.
A relatively decent and fast read but I have read better from Radclyffe.
November 6, 2015
OMG, virtually the same setting and major scenes as in Prescription for Love!
Radclyffe writes to a formula, but this was surreal, reading them virtually back to back. I know this novel was published first, but the resemblance was uncanny.
Radclyffe writes to a formula, but this was surreal, reading them virtually back to back. I know this novel was published first, but the resemblance was uncanny.
May 30, 2015
This is pretty standard Radclyffe fare, two women meet, are instantly attracted to each other, there's some push and pull over whether they should sleep together and then they have fabulous sex and live happily ever after. Oh, and one is butch and has a masculine name and the other is femme, which is also to be expected in a Rad book, she never seems to deviate from that theme. The bonus is that at least neither character is a doctor, cop or firefighter, so that's something different.
As usual we don't get to delve too deeply into the characters, and they manage to fall in love within a short time span. I think it's less than two weeks. There's also a plethora of other lesbians populating their world, even though they have to import some from out of town, as the book is set in a rural location. And even though they come from two different worlds, that's easy enough to gloss over once Rad realised she'd run out of chapters and then we have the standard rushed ending. It's a quick read, and if you like Radclyffe books, you'll probably enjoy it. I'd give it 2.5 stars.
As usual we don't get to delve too deeply into the characters, and they manage to fall in love within a short time span. I think it's less than two weeks. There's also a plethora of other lesbians populating their world, even though they have to import some from out of town, as the book is set in a rural location. And even though they come from two different worlds, that's easy enough to gloss over once Rad realised she'd run out of chapters and then we have the standard rushed ending. It's a quick read, and if you like Radclyffe books, you'll probably enjoy it. I'd give it 2.5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2016
Fantastic, delightful and delicious!!! I just love how Radclyffe weaves a tale.
May 3, 2020
I always enjoy Radclyffe’s books to do with the country, small town and farm life. I do love Vermont, and have been there many times. The wonderful thing about this part of the country is that it is charming at all times of the year.
Jenna (Cassandra) is an interesting character, popular best-selling author, but run ragged by her publishers as well as her pushy but well meaning editor. It is no surprise when her harried lifestyle catches up with her and she collapses.
In a parallel storyline, small town life unfolds, and ends, as Gardner (Gard) presides as Coroner over the death of an elderly woman. A veterinarian by profession, Gard is well respected in her small town, but has some skeletons in her past. Arrangements must be made to contact the next of kin, who as chance would have it, would be none other than Jenna.
The news was not well received but not untimely, as it was deemed necessary for Jenna to rest after her health scare.
Thus unfolds the interesting relationship between Gard and Jenna, as different as they seemed to be, their attraction to one another is undeniable. Despite repeated warnings from her editor, who seems well aware of Gardner’s past, Jenna cannot resist falling for her.
To be honest, although the sex was fun, and well written as always, the love story was a bit lacking and perhaps muddled by the multiple relationships springing up around the central pairing.
I enjoyed it, but it was not my favorite by the author.
Jenna (Cassandra) is an interesting character, popular best-selling author, but run ragged by her publishers as well as her pushy but well meaning editor. It is no surprise when her harried lifestyle catches up with her and she collapses.
In a parallel storyline, small town life unfolds, and ends, as Gardner (Gard) presides as Coroner over the death of an elderly woman. A veterinarian by profession, Gard is well respected in her small town, but has some skeletons in her past. Arrangements must be made to contact the next of kin, who as chance would have it, would be none other than Jenna.
The news was not well received but not untimely, as it was deemed necessary for Jenna to rest after her health scare.
Thus unfolds the interesting relationship between Gard and Jenna, as different as they seemed to be, their attraction to one another is undeniable. Despite repeated warnings from her editor, who seems well aware of Gardner’s past, Jenna cannot resist falling for her.
To be honest, although the sex was fun, and well written as always, the love story was a bit lacking and perhaps muddled by the multiple relationships springing up around the central pairing.
I enjoyed it, but it was not my favorite by the author.
September 10, 2022
the ending…
Gosh, I wish there was more to this story. I guess I just didn’t want it to end. I wanted to see how some things turned out. Like the book series, the art gallery, the towns reaction, Alice, the Sheriff, and how things came together. Perhaps an epilogue would do. It’s not necessarily necessary, but I needed it. Well, I wanted it. The MC Jenna and Gard were meant for one another. The friction between them from first meet is where you felt the chemistry even when they seemed to repel one another almost at each turn. But they’re both so stubborn and thank goodness for that. Thank goodness that one or the other at any given time, just couldn’t stay away from the other. Yes. Love always feels good.
Gosh, I wish there was more to this story. I guess I just didn’t want it to end. I wanted to see how some things turned out. Like the book series, the art gallery, the towns reaction, Alice, the Sheriff, and how things came together. Perhaps an epilogue would do. It’s not necessarily necessary, but I needed it. Well, I wanted it. The MC Jenna and Gard were meant for one another. The friction between them from first meet is where you felt the chemistry even when they seemed to repel one another almost at each turn. But they’re both so stubborn and thank goodness for that. Thank goodness that one or the other at any given time, just couldn’t stay away from the other. Yes. Love always feels good.
July 17, 2017
I did not at all read this book because I thought it would have an astounding plot or be incredibly well-written. It delivered on what I hoped it would– an enjoyable super gay read. Don't go looking to DESIRE BY STARLIGHT to have protagonists who act in sensible manners, just come for a good time.
August 7, 2017
Jenna's life is too high paced and, after a collapse, she must take some time off; heads to VT to deal with family estate, meets Garden Davis, a vet with a deep secret that may prevent her from embracing her feelings for Jenna
August 13, 2018
Not a bad read with a cute butch vet but there were too many questions left unanswered at the end of the book for me to be satisfied. The love scenes were great and overall the book was a cute light read.
November 27, 2018
Radclyffe has been writing for some time and her work is entertaining. Emotions are raw, vulnerable, and descriptive. It's a good read; not too wordy.
Any of her work should be on anyone's bookshelf or on a reading device of choice.
Any of her work should be on anyone's bookshelf or on a reading device of choice.
August 30, 2018
Loved it
I’m a fairly new reader to Radclyffe and I must say I’ve loved them all, I’m just glad that there are plenty to keep me going in the long winter nights
I’m a fairly new reader to Radclyffe and I must say I’ve loved them all, I’m just glad that there are plenty to keep me going in the long winter nights
April 16, 2019
from beginning till end a breathtaking romance...with some very "turning on" love scenes!
Thanks for a pleasend 24 hour reading in 3 days!
Thanks for a pleasend 24 hour reading in 3 days!
May 11, 2020
I am a huge Radclyffe fan, but this is not one of her best. Disappointing.
January 21, 2022
This author caught me from the first page and couldn't put it down. Loved the slow burn and anticipation of raging fire. Was not disappointed!
February 26, 2022
Not my favourite by this author but was still super cute! Was enjoyable with little angst can’t complain
February 22, 2023
Gard...jeg elsker dig <3
March 8, 2024
A little insta-love but good
November 24, 2018
Every single page of this book was absolutely wonderful I was reading and reading and I didn't wanted to finish it but on the same time I couldn't put it down. I absolutely admire the way that Radcluffe writes and I have missed that as I felt that I hadn't read any of her books recently. The way she describes her characters and the story is so unique that I love it. Absolutely WELL DONE!!!
February 25, 2019
This book felt like it was dragging. The author delayed revealing Gard's past until the very end and when it was finally revealed, it was so underwhelming that I almost laughed (not in a good way, obviously).
Also, the ending seemed rather rushed and forced.
Also, the ending seemed rather rushed and forced.
August 29, 2016
I didn't like this book as much as the other books by Radclyffe that I've read. The relationship just felt so surface, I couldn't tell why Jenna and Gardner ended up together.
Jenna Hart is also known as Cassandra Hart and is a bestselling romance author. She's also running herself ragged. So when an unknown great aunt dies and leaves her a farm right after Jenna has a collapse, she thinks a sleepy town might be a good place to recuperate.
Gardner Davis is the vet in that sleepy little town and she loves it. And when Jenna Hart comes into her life, she's attracted, but she doesn't want to change her life.
I wish we had seen more change in either Jenna or Gardner. An okay story but I've read better from this author.
Jenna Hart is also known as Cassandra Hart and is a bestselling romance author. She's also running herself ragged. So when an unknown great aunt dies and leaves her a farm right after Jenna has a collapse, she thinks a sleepy town might be a good place to recuperate.
Gardner Davis is the vet in that sleepy little town and she loves it. And when Jenna Hart comes into her life, she's attracted, but she doesn't want to change her life.
I wish we had seen more change in either Jenna or Gardner. An okay story but I've read better from this author.
November 7, 2011
Honestly it was a very fun read. I'm a little disappointed it cleared up the internal conflicts between the main characters and then ended. I could have used another chapter or denouement or an epilogue to deal with where things went from there. Not that I can't understand the choice... it just didn't quite feel done when it ended.
March 6, 2016
Different!
But very satisfying. The book didn't follow Radclyffe's normal storyline. It has two characters leading very different lives. One an author the other a veterinarian. She even managed to link in the Honor series with Diane. How does she do that so seamlessly? I loved the book and the small town setting. Read it you'll love it.
But very satisfying. The book didn't follow Radclyffe's normal storyline. It has two characters leading very different lives. One an author the other a veterinarian. She even managed to link in the Honor series with Diane. How does she do that so seamlessly? I loved the book and the small town setting. Read it you'll love it.
April 29, 2016
Radclyffe has done it again
I don't think there has been a book that she has written that I don't like. This one was great. Loved the characters, how they both wanted to love someone but we're afraid to. I also liked how there was no mysteries it was about this two. I would recommend this book.
I don't think there has been a book that she has written that I don't like. This one was great. Loved the characters, how they both wanted to love someone but we're afraid to. I also liked how there was no mysteries it was about this two. I would recommend this book.
August 24, 2014
Had my heart raising on every page! Hoping to find out how it ended waiting to see if Gard and Jenna ended together. An amazing love story with heart wrenching up and downs and the love between these two Women. Great Book!!!!
December 1, 2010
Radclyffe always comes through when I need some gay! An easy read, simple plot, just what the Academy called for.
April 5, 2016
Well.... This was insanely better than Radclyffe's supernatural books but still rather disappointing in the end. After all that build up and THAT was Gard's big bad secret? Meh.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews