Talia is heartbroken when the only man she has ever loved is leaving London. Determined to get over him, she devotes herself to juvenile prison reform, and building a school to help educate troubled youth. When James returns she is surprised to find she is still in love with him, but she's determined to protect her heart.

Nina Rowan's A DREAM OF DESIRE is a pleasant story with both romance, and a heroine who isn't afraid to challenge society. Talia is a determined young lady who, after heartbreak, decides to help people rather than hide away. Talia becomes a juvenile prison reformer, who doesn't let anyone get in her way of helping the young men. James is the handsome, headstrong hero who is running away from his past, and will do anything to keep Talia from harm even it that means protecting her from him. Talia and James' shared interests and unique qualities make them a wonderful match with lots of romantic tension.

Aunt Sally is a charming secondary character who looks out for both Talia and James without either one knowing. Alice and Peter give readers the perspective of the working class during the regency era, and Rowan's descriptions of Peter's haunts will help readers understand Talia's mission. The villain in A DREAM OF DESIRE might leave readers a bit conflicted. He is certainly corrupt, yet his circumstances leave readers wondering if maybe he could have been kinder if his past hadn't been so difficult. Rowan makes sure to add just the right amount of conflict and adventure to keep readers' attention. A DREAM OF DESIRE is a heartwarming romance, and Rowan's A Daring Hearts series continues to get better and better.