Her First Desire
Series: A Logical Man's Guide to Dangerous Women #2
Author: Cathy Maxwell
Published April 27th 2021 by Avon

Goodreads Synopsis
If you love Lenora Bell and Tessa Dare, you’ll love the next book in New York Times bestselling 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 by 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?
Goodreads

Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher. This in no way impacted on my view.

When Gemma Estep found herself widowed, and without anything in the world, she vowed she would never rely on another person. Luckily, she discovers that a beloved uncle left her a property in a quaint little village, and she could get away from her overbearing brother. Finding The Garland tavern in a state of disarray, claimed by the men of the village, Gemma throws them out, and decides she will turn it into a tea room, and herb garden, where she can also assist in the care of the people with herbal remedies. This immediately aggravates Ned Thurlowe, presumed leader of the Logical Men's Society, and local doctor. Though he's engaged, he's in no hurry to marry, and he has laid claim to The Garland for the Society. As Gemma and Ned argue over the correct use of the tavern, and how to care for the medical needs of their neighbours, they grow closer in a way no one could ever imagine.

I'm going to start off by saying that some people may not like this book, simply because Ned was engaged to Clarissa, and Gemma knew about it, and was friends with her. So if cheating isn't your thing, this book probably wouldn't be for you. I wanted to hate the couple for the way they fell in love, and they fell hard, but their relationship was written in a way where you were rooting for them, and wanted them to be together. I feel like the only way I can somewhat forgive the cheating was the fact that Ned never really wanted to marry Clarissa, but he was sort of forced into it by the matrons of the town, and he never really gave Clarissa any real hope of the future. And, I reckon that Clarissa and Mars would be better together, but none of them want to consider that as of yet. This book, for me at least, was much better than the first, and I did appreciate the Society a little more than I had previously. I feel like the couple had their faults, but they were perfect for each other, and for this book.

Dates Read:
January 19-20, 2022

Rating
4 Stars