Her First Desire

A Logical Man's Guide to Dangerous Women Novel

By: Cathy Maxwell

Narrated by: Justine Eyre

Length: 8 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's Summary

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

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.

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.

Fun but also disjointed

I’m a bit sad to say I found this really disjointed and too top heavy. It’s great at the start, but then maintains the same note throughout the middle with massive 180s in actions and opinions in the final act. I recall this being a problem with the first book as well: a lot of the same and then everything happening at the end. Justine Eyre narrates well as always though, so I’m going to give the next book a go!