Object of His Desire (Somerville Park, #1) in Romance Readers Reading Challenges

Feb 05, 2009 Daisiemae rated it it was amazing

Shelves: historical, erotica, books-read-in-2009, male-male-romance-erotica, e-book, books-reviewed-in-2009

Ava March doesn't write fast enough. I was torn before I read this book. Part of me wanted to have it in my E-Files and tease myself with it being there to read (I always love the anticipation of reading a book), or buying it and reading it immediately because I felt like it's been FOREVER since I read an Ava March book! Honestly, I held out a couple of days, and that felt like forever, I am glad I put myself out of my misery and read it;)

Henry Shaw can't say no to Arsen Grey, the Marquis of Som Ava March doesn't write fast enough. I was torn before I read this book. Part of me wanted to have it in my E-Files and tease myself with it being there to read (I always love the anticipation of reading a book), or buying it and reading it immediately because I felt like it's been FOREVER since I read an Ava March book! Honestly, I held out a couple of days, and that felt like forever, I am glad I put myself out of my misery and read it;)

Henry Shaw can't say no to Arsen Grey, the Marquis of Somerville. At 21, and being the third son of a country gentleman, Henry has resided in London for little over a year. When he met his former lover, Markus Drummond, at a gambling hall, he was grateful to have a more discreet relationship instead of a quick tumble with a faceless man. But, when Henry was soon introduced into the social circle of Arsen Grey, he became immediately infatuated. As he got to know Arsen, the more he became emotionally attached to him. Because Arsen's reputation proceeds him as a ladies man, Henry knows his feelings will never be returned.

When Arsen had invited Henry to his week long party at his country estate, Henry's first instinct had been to not attend. Arsen's parties have been known to turn into a sexual-free-for-all to all that attends. Henry didn't want to watch Arsen be seduced and persued by others, but since Arsen means so much to him, and because just being around Arsen makes him happy, he decides to attend.

Henry has never been more miserable in his life. Deciding not to partake in the sexual freedom everyone else has, he tries to hide himself in the corner and not be too noticed. All Henry wants is Arsen, so no other man will do.

Arsen Grey has always noticed Henry Shaw. As a friend in his social circle, Arsen has always liked Henry's honorable, sweet nature. Then one night several months earlier, Arsen noticed Henry's unguarded expression of longing and love as he stared at him. Since that look, Arsen's feelings have grown for the sweet man. Never one to deny himself of what he wants, Arsen sets a up a series of events that will bring he and Henry together, hopefully forever.

How can you not love Henry Shaw? Because of his height and more muscluar body, (remember he was a hard workin' country boy) it was refreshing for him to be such a gentle person. His loyalty and huge capasity to love makes him loveable himself. His sweetness and patience makes him the kind of hero I love to read about. I rallied behind him, and wanted him to find his happy ending with Arsen. I only hoped that Arsen deserved such a sexy and wonderful man.

Arsen deserved Henry's love. Yes, he was definitely well matched for our sweet Henry. Intelligent and sometimes a little too arrogant for his own good, I loved him immediately. His take charge-pro active personality was very appealing, and I loved how he had everything planned out so he and Henry could be together. I loved his "I don't give a damn" attitude with others (Not with Henry) and I enjoyed seeing that there is much more to Arsen that meets the eye and I thought he and Henry are perfect for one another.

I love Ava March's books! Her books are a must buy for me. They simply suck me into the world she weaves and I become addicted to it from the first letter to the last word. My gripe (yes it seems I am never satisfied...lol) is I wish the book had been longer. NOT because I thought the story was lacking in some way, but because I love Ava's writing and heroes so much I hate for it to end! Object of His Desire has a place on my keeper shelf and will continue to be a re-read for me when I need a great escape for a couple of hours.

5 out of 5 stars:)

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Feb 06, 2013 Liz (Bugetta) rated it liked it

Shelves: m-m-romance, historical-romance, novellas-and-short-stories, smexy-times, audiobook, re-read, e-book

Pretty much the same feeling I had the first time I read it. It was ok, but didn't really make much of an impression. Listening to the audio version also highlighted the really flowery language and not in a good way. I did like the new-to-me narrator, Tim Gilbert. Good if you're in the mood for a short historical erotic romance. ...more

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Mar 09, 2012 Jane (PS) rated it liked it

Shelves: mm

3.5 stars

Cute, fairly short story. I loved the uncertainty surrounding the potential relationship. Had the story been expanded more, I would have rated it 4 stars. As it was, it wrapped up very quickly. But it was a fun quick read and I would recommend it if you are looking for short historical fix :)

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Aug 15, 2009 Kassa rated it really liked it

There is something about Ava March’s writing that I really enjoy. Perhaps it’s her ability to draw you into the scene and setting quickly with likable characters and highly erotic sex. Her writing stands above those who write other shortened stories involving mostly sex and little plot. There are so many elements presented with the capability of extending the story and truly elevating it to wonderful status and no doubt the author has the writing ability and creativity to do it. So I am somewhat There is something about Ava March’s writing that I really enjoy. Perhaps it’s her ability to draw you into the scene and setting quickly with likable characters and highly erotic sex. Her writing stands above those who write other shortened stories involving mostly sex and little plot. There are so many elements presented with the capability of extending the story and truly elevating it to wonderful status and no doubt the author has the writing ability and creativity to do it. So I am somewhat disappointed the stories stay short and light as they do with the potential for something truly fulfilling.

However, that is not to say this particular offering is not enjoyable or satisfying. On the contrary, March offers yet another engaging and steamy encounter between two handsome and charming men set in historical England. The opening scene of the book sets the erotic quotient pretty high as the wallflower Henry, who at well over six feet is definitely anything but an invisible entity, is silently seething with jealousy watching a strumpet proposition the man of his dreams amidst an orgy happening within the ballroom.

Henry’s humor and steadfast loyalty to those he gives his affections to afford him a very likeable personality complete with an all too human and understandable painful jealousy towards Arsen, his unrequited love. Although Henry doesn’t think Arsen has any interest in men, he can’t quite help torturing himself by being near the dashing Marquis. Henry’s initial reserve and self-doubt soon blossom to confidence and a true understanding of his worth both as a person and in a relationship with Arsen’s love and attention. Where he once let himself settle for crumbs of affection, he now demands nothing less than a full and equal partnership from the man whom he loves.

While Henry may be a gentle giant, Arsen is the epitome of a bored, arrogant playboy. He throws lavish sexual parties for the sole purpose of deciding upon a new mistress and has no compunction about manipulating people and situations to suit his needs and desires. Arsen’s saving grace is his unmistakable sense of honor and deeply held desire to with someone who can offer him the love and devotion he is so desperate for. He is a bit of a robin hood with easily winning large sums of money from unscrupulous but rich gentry, yet conveniently losing when someone truly needs the money to survive. Lest Arsen be entirely good, he does force Henry to jump through hoops before he is satisfied, or Henry breaks him in half for his manipulations.

Between these two charismatic personalities there are endless possibilities for further exploration, including their differences in finances, social obligations, backgrounds, titles, past, families and reputations. Instead the author keeps the story light and easy with a minimum of drama and angst, focusing on the explosive chemistry of Henry and Arsen. My only caveat to the story was Arsen’s initial treatment of Henry and his repeated statements of “Come along Shaw”. Thankfully Henry reminds him later that he is no lap dog to follow along submissively. This newfound confidence of Henry’s was a welcome addition to their truly lovely relationship.

Although there were some problems with the setting, minor issues regarding inaccuracies, these in no way detracted from the enjoyment of the story. March has delivered a well-written and sexy romance, heavy on the sex but through the strength of her writing and characterization the entire story works very well. As with her previous book, I can’t help but hope that the author revisits these men as they seem to have quite a bit more to say. I can easy recommend this book to anyone wanting a scorching hot erotica with a satisfying romance.

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Jun 30, 2012 Shannon rated it really liked it

Ava March does a really good job with the unrequited love thing. I loved stolid, dependable Henry. Arson was... not quite so awesome, but Henry loved him, and it was enough for me that things worked out well for him that I didn't care.

Perhaps not my favorite March book, but I enjoyed it. ...more

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