Her First Desire

A Logical Man's Guide to Dangerous Women Novel

De: Cathy Maxwell

Narrado por: Justine Eyre

If you love Lenora Bell and Tessa Dare, you’ll love the next book in New York Times best-selling author Cathy Maxwell’s Logical Man’s Society series about a delicious battle of the sexes between a determined woman and a stubborn gentleman.

She arrived in town, beautiful and bold and declaring that she’s inherited property that he has already claimed! As a member of the local Logical Men’s Society, Ned Thurlowe prides himself on thinking clearly and calmly at all times. And it’s clear that the meeting place of the society - a local tavern - is his even if the men have turned it to shambles.

But Ned’s claim is challenged Gemma Estep, who’s announced she’s decided to turn it into some sort of respectable tea garden for the local ladies. Ned challenges Gemma, and in doing so behaves most illogically, for though he wants to dismiss her, he also can’t help but desire her.

Gemma has had enough of men telling her what to do, and she’s vowed to make her own way in the world. And Ned Thurlowe is ruining her plans. Not only has he laid claim to her property, pitting them in a heated fight for its ownership, he’s also arousing in her feelings she’s never sensed before.

And although they argue, they quickly discover they have more in common than they’d each ever dreamed - could their disagreement be turning into desire?

©2021 Cathy Maxwell (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers

4.5 rounded up to 5 star

The narration was very good, Loved the feisty lead woman, but he was a bit bland. There were a few laugh out loud moments which were endearing. Must thank the author for making Gemma smart, funny, and not a push over. Ned could have used a bit more personality. There was just enough of the other characters to make me look at the next book (with Clarissa) but they didn't take over this book.

Her First Desire

Her First Desire by Cathy Maxwell
2nd book in the Logical Man’s Society series. Historical romance. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Gemma arrives in the village claiming ownership of a plot of land and building, displacing the local men’s club. Of course they are upset with her claim and her turning their play house into her home and healing business so pranks ensue.

I admired Gemma’s fortitude and strength. Her determination helps her succeed.
The hero needed waking up. Eventually he is worthy but he stumbles quite a bit to get there.

“She was seeing stars. He kissed her and she was seeing stars.”

🎧 I listened to the audio version narrated by Justine Eyre. Justine uses a British English accent in her performance for this audiobook. There was a distinct difference between Gemma and Ned’s voices which made for an excellent performance. I listened to the book at 1.3 which is my usual speed. 1.0 was wonderful but slower than actual conversation for me.
3.5 upped to 4 because of the audiobook performance.

Good book

This was a good book. It left me wanting a bit more at the end.

Second listen = I loved this book.

While, I didn't enjoy this book on the first listen, I loved it this time. The story kept my interest almost from the beginning. The characters were interesting and entertaining and the dialogue was warm, funny and real. Justine Eyre is masterful at whining. She did such a good job, that I wanted to strangle the duchess. Shudder, shudder.
Yep....this is a recommended repeater.

Boring Characters and Bad Narrator

First let me preface this bad review with my historical like of all books I have read to date by Cathy Maxwell. I kept looking at the author while I was listening to this one as I could not believe it was Cathy Maxwell. I listened all the way through but found absolutely not one redeeming chapter in this book. Justine Eyre seems to get much air time by many historical romance authors. I do not know why. Her voice is annoying.