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Legend of Morgan #4
Savage Desire
The fire of their passion sparks as Steve and Ginny reunite in London. Their years apart have taken a toll, but nothing can change the fierce emotion that burns between the two. The lovers have made a pact to look beyond the hurts of yesterday and look toward their future --- their future as a family. But the dark treacheries of the past have called Steve back to Mexico to finally put an end to some unfinished business.
Determined not to lose Steve again, Ginny travels with him into the heart of the land that holds both nightmarish memories of grave peril and those of the most bittersweet joy. As they fight to overcome forces that would try to separate them once and for all, Steve and Ginny must learn to find strength in one another and trust in the power of their love.
Determined not to lose Steve again, Ginny travels with him into the heart of the land that holds both nightmarish memories of grave peril and those of the most bittersweet joy. As they fight to overcome forces that would try to separate them once and for all, Steve and Ginny must learn to find strength in one another and trust in the power of their love.
403 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
73 people are currently reading
505 people want to read
About the author
Rosemary Rogers
96books414followersThere is more than one author with this name
Rosemary Jansz Navaratnam Rogers Kadison
Rosemary Jansz was born on 7 December 1932 in Panadura, British Ceylon (now known as Sri Lanka), she was the oldest child of Dutch-Portuguese settlers, Barbara "Allan" and Cyril Jansz. Her father was a wealthy educator who owned three posh private schools. She was raised in colonial splendor: dozens of servants, no work, summers at European spas, a chaperone everywhere she went. A dreamy child, she wrote her first novel at eight, and all through her teens scribbled madly romantic epics in imitation of her favorite writers: Sir Walter Scott, Alexandre Dumas and Rafael Sabatini.
At 17, Rosemary rebelled against a feudal upbringing and went to the University of Ceylon, where she studied three years. She horrified her family by taking a job as a reporter, and two years later marrying with Summa Navaratnam, a Ceylonese track star known as "the fastest man in Asia." The marriage had two daughters. Unhappily, he often sprinted after other women. Disappointed with her husband, in 1960, she moved with her two daughters and took off for London.
In Europe she met her future second husband, Leroy Rogers, an african-american. "He was the first man," she recalls, "who made me feel like a real woman." After getting a divorce from her first husband, she married Rogers in his home town, St. Louis, Missouri. They moved with her family to California, where she had two sons. Six years later, when that marriage broke up, Rosemary was left with four children to support on her $4,200 salary as a typist for the Solano County Parks Department. In 1969, in the face of a socialist takeover of Ceylon, her parents fled the island with only ?100, giving Rosemary two more dependents. At 37, the rich girl from Ceylon was on her uppers in Fairfield.
Every night for a year, Rogers worked to perfect a manuscript that she had written as a child, rewriting it 24 times. When she was satisfied with her work, she sent the manuscript to Avon, which quickly purchased the novel. That novel, ''Sweet Savage Love'', skyrocketed to the top of bestseller lists, and became one of the most popular historical romances of all time. Her second novel, ''Dark Fires'', sold two million copies in its first three months of release. Her first three novels sold a combined 10 million copies. The fourth, ''Wicked Loving Lies'' sold 3 million copies in its first month of publication. Rosemary Rogers became one of the legendaries "Avon Queens of Historical Romance". The difference between she and most of others romance writers is not the violence of her stories, it is the intensity. She says: "My heroines are me", and certainly her life could be one of her novels.
In September of 1984, Rosemary married a third time with Christopher Kadison, but it was a very brief marriage and they soon began to live apart. "I'd like to live with a man," she admits, "but I find men in real life don't come up to my fantasies. I want culture, spirit and sex all rolled up together."
Today single, Rosemary lives quietly in a small dramatic villa perched on a crag above the Pacific near Carmel. Her four children are now away from home and she continues to write.
Rosemary passed away at the age of 87 on November 12, 2019 in Carmel, California where she called home since the early 1970s.
Rosemary Jansz Navaratnam Rogers Kadison
Rosemary Jansz was born on 7 December 1932 in Panadura, British Ceylon (now known as Sri Lanka), she was the oldest child of Dutch-Portuguese settlers, Barbara "Allan" and Cyril Jansz. Her father was a wealthy educator who owned three posh private schools. She was raised in colonial splendor: dozens of servants, no work, summers at European spas, a chaperone everywhere she went. A dreamy child, she wrote her first novel at eight, and all through her teens scribbled madly romantic epics in imitation of her favorite writers: Sir Walter Scott, Alexandre Dumas and Rafael Sabatini.
At 17, Rosemary rebelled against a feudal upbringing and went to the University of Ceylon, where she studied three years. She horrified her family by taking a job as a reporter, and two years later marrying with Summa Navaratnam, a Ceylonese track star known as "the fastest man in Asia." The marriage had two daughters. Unhappily, he often sprinted after other women. Disappointed with her husband, in 1960, she moved with her two daughters and took off for London.
In Europe she met her future second husband, Leroy Rogers, an african-american. "He was the first man," she recalls, "who made me feel like a real woman." After getting a divorce from her first husband, she married Rogers in his home town, St. Louis, Missouri. They moved with her family to California, where she had two sons. Six years later, when that marriage broke up, Rosemary was left with four children to support on her $4,200 salary as a typist for the Solano County Parks Department. In 1969, in the face of a socialist takeover of Ceylon, her parents fled the island with only ?100, giving Rosemary two more dependents. At 37, the rich girl from Ceylon was on her uppers in Fairfield.
Every night for a year, Rogers worked to perfect a manuscript that she had written as a child, rewriting it 24 times. When she was satisfied with her work, she sent the manuscript to Avon, which quickly purchased the novel. That novel, ''Sweet Savage Love'', skyrocketed to the top of bestseller lists, and became one of the most popular historical romances of all time. Her second novel, ''Dark Fires'', sold two million copies in its first three months of release. Her first three novels sold a combined 10 million copies. The fourth, ''Wicked Loving Lies'' sold 3 million copies in its first month of publication. Rosemary Rogers became one of the legendaries "Avon Queens of Historical Romance". The difference between she and most of others romance writers is not the violence of her stories, it is the intensity. She says: "My heroines are me", and certainly her life could be one of her novels.
In September of 1984, Rosemary married a third time with Christopher Kadison, but it was a very brief marriage and they soon began to live apart. "I'd like to live with a man," she admits, "but I find men in real life don't come up to my fantasies. I want culture, spirit and sex all rolled up together."
Today single, Rosemary lives quietly in a small dramatic villa perched on a crag above the Pacific near Carmel. Her four children are now away from home and she continues to write.
Rosemary passed away at the age of 87 on November 12, 2019 in Carmel, California where she called home since the early 1970s.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 3, 2016
5 Nostalgic Stars
This is the last in series of Morgan Challenger Books regarding the romance of Ginny and Steve Morgan. Their long romance, and sometimes sordid story, started with the book Sweet Savage Love.
If you have not read any of the series, I strongly suggest you start with Sweet Savage Love, which is the opus of this series, before you read Savage Desire.
Unlike so many "series" today, the 1st book, Sweet Savage Love, is complete and this and the other follow on books do not
have to be read for resolution.
Sweet Savage Love was my first and most beloved and reread Historical Romance - other than the Wolf and the Dove. I have probably read Sweet Savage Love at least a dozen times (especially the romantic scenes) after I first read it - over 30 years ago.
When reading Sweet Savage Love, or any books in this series, readers and reviewers should keep in mind Sweet Savage Love's publication time frame, mid 70's, and the originality of this novel at that time. This was a ground breaking novel.
Rosemary Rogers was one of the first to write much more explicit sex scenes. She also departed from the stereotypical heroes and heroines by making them much more flawed and all too human. It was a shocking and very welcomed departure from the Harlequin Regency romances of the time!
Though the misunderstandings and anger from unrequited love were very typical of the traditional romances of the time, the sex scenes and the plot play were atypical from any romance novels written at the time! Even today some readers may be shocked or offended by the play out.
I recently went back and read Sweet Savage Love in 2013 - just for the nostalgia - when I discovered this book, Savage Desire, as yet another continuation of the Ginny and Steve story.
Due to the overwhelming popularity of Sweet Savage Love, there ended up being three more follow on novels featuring the pair:
Dark Fires (Morgan-Challenger #2)
Lost Love, Last Love (Morgan-Challenger#4)
Savage Desire (Morgan-Challenger#6)
I understood that the fans couldn't get enough of the pair. And as much as I loved Ginny and Steve, after the first sequel, Dark Fires, I had wished that the author, Rosemary Rogers, had left well enough alone.
Considering the turmoil the characters had already gone through in the 1st book, Dark Fires became nothing more than drawn out case of abuse, misunderstandings, and just plain abysmal behavior. I, like all the fans, bought this sequel when it was published. But I ended up skimming parts as some of it was just too painful to read.
The second sequel, Lost Love, Last Love, wasn't too bad. The fans had complained so much about Dark Fires that Rosemary Rogers tried to give them yet another happy ending in that book.
But by then, I like the heroine, did feel sorely abused. And sadly, I and some fans no longer cared when we got this so called HEA.
It was therefore a shock for me to find out in late 2013 that there had been yet another sequel to the Ginny and Steve Morgan saga published in 2000.
Though excited and intrigued, I was apprehensive as maybe this would be yet another story of drawn out misunderstandings and abuse.
But after seeing some favorable reviews, I couldn't resist, and sought out and bought a used copy at the end of this year - 2013.
While I was excited to read Savage Desire, and to find some new story line with my favorite H&h, I was a little horrified to find more of the same in the beginning of the story: miscommunication, cheating, angry sex - along with some verbal and emotional abuse.
Ginny's ignoring her twins through the two prior novels had disgusted me then. I was horrified even more this time as I have real children of my own.
But thankfully, in Savage Desire, she does finally seem to realize all the time she has lost and actually sees the emotional toll her absence has taken on the children.
But the real surprise and transformation in Savage Desire is Steve.
Savage Desire finally depicts a more mature, understanding/insightful, and gentle Steve.
Though Steve starts out acting more embittered and distrustful than ever, he is shockingly shown to have changed into a very loving and caring Father.
By the end of the book, he seems genuinely changed and a truly redeemed man.
In Savage Desire, I am happy to say, though not with out additional cost and angst, we finally we get a much healthier Steve and Ginny relationship. And most importantly, finally a believable and at long, long, last - a true HEA!
This is the last in series of Morgan Challenger Books regarding the romance of Ginny and Steve Morgan. Their long romance, and sometimes sordid story, started with the book Sweet Savage Love.
If you have not read any of the series, I strongly suggest you start with Sweet Savage Love, which is the opus of this series, before you read Savage Desire.
Unlike so many "series" today, the 1st book, Sweet Savage Love, is complete and this and the other follow on books do not
have to be read for resolution.
Sweet Savage Love was my first and most beloved and reread Historical Romance - other than the Wolf and the Dove. I have probably read Sweet Savage Love at least a dozen times (especially the romantic scenes) after I first read it - over 30 years ago.
When reading Sweet Savage Love, or any books in this series, readers and reviewers should keep in mind Sweet Savage Love's publication time frame, mid 70's, and the originality of this novel at that time. This was a ground breaking novel.
Rosemary Rogers was one of the first to write much more explicit sex scenes. She also departed from the stereotypical heroes and heroines by making them much more flawed and all too human. It was a shocking and very welcomed departure from the Harlequin Regency romances of the time!
Though the misunderstandings and anger from unrequited love were very typical of the traditional romances of the time, the sex scenes and the plot play were atypical from any romance novels written at the time! Even today some readers may be shocked or offended by the play out.
I recently went back and read Sweet Savage Love in 2013 - just for the nostalgia - when I discovered this book, Savage Desire, as yet another continuation of the Ginny and Steve story.
Due to the overwhelming popularity of Sweet Savage Love, there ended up being three more follow on novels featuring the pair:
Dark Fires (Morgan-Challenger #2)
Lost Love, Last Love (Morgan-Challenger#4)
Savage Desire (Morgan-Challenger#6)
I understood that the fans couldn't get enough of the pair. And as much as I loved Ginny and Steve, after the first sequel, Dark Fires, I had wished that the author, Rosemary Rogers, had left well enough alone.
Considering the turmoil the characters had already gone through in the 1st book, Dark Fires became nothing more than drawn out case of abuse, misunderstandings, and just plain abysmal behavior. I, like all the fans, bought this sequel when it was published. But I ended up skimming parts as some of it was just too painful to read.
The second sequel, Lost Love, Last Love, wasn't too bad. The fans had complained so much about Dark Fires that Rosemary Rogers tried to give them yet another happy ending in that book.
But by then, I like the heroine, did feel sorely abused. And sadly, I and some fans no longer cared when we got this so called HEA.
It was therefore a shock for me to find out in late 2013 that there had been yet another sequel to the Ginny and Steve Morgan saga published in 2000.
Though excited and intrigued, I was apprehensive as maybe this would be yet another story of drawn out misunderstandings and abuse.
But after seeing some favorable reviews, I couldn't resist, and sought out and bought a used copy at the end of this year - 2013.
While I was excited to read Savage Desire, and to find some new story line with my favorite H&h, I was a little horrified to find more of the same in the beginning of the story: miscommunication, cheating, angry sex - along with some verbal and emotional abuse.
Ginny's ignoring her twins through the two prior novels had disgusted me then. I was horrified even more this time as I have real children of my own.
But thankfully, in Savage Desire, she does finally seem to realize all the time she has lost and actually sees the emotional toll her absence has taken on the children.
But the real surprise and transformation in Savage Desire is Steve.
Savage Desire finally depicts a more mature, understanding/insightful, and gentle Steve.
Though Steve starts out acting more embittered and distrustful than ever, he is shockingly shown to have changed into a very loving and caring Father.
By the end of the book, he seems genuinely changed and a truly redeemed man.
In Savage Desire, I am happy to say, though not with out additional cost and angst, we finally we get a much healthier Steve and Ginny relationship. And most importantly, finally a believable and at long, long, last - a true HEA!
Read
January 22, 2015"Steve kicked his walker aside, a savage passion tenting his Sans-a-Belt slacks. Ginny tossed her breasts over her shoulders and..."
June 25, 2013
Did not finish
plot spoilers
I slammed this utter piece of filth down very early in the game when I found that they had once been together, or were married, but had separated for some reason that I cannot remember. It's been years since I attempted to read it, so some of the details have faded. But what stands out like a beacon in the night is that these two married people, who had several children together, had cheated on each other. The woman was distant and cold, and her children didn't know her. And the man had kept the children with him, and had his mistress raise them. How utterly wonderful. I was so disgusted by this infidelity that I slammed this piece of crap of down and vowed never to read it.
plot spoilers
I slammed this utter piece of filth down very early in the game when I found that they had once been together, or were married, but had separated for some reason that I cannot remember. It's been years since I attempted to read it, so some of the details have faded. But what stands out like a beacon in the night is that these two married people, who had several children together, had cheated on each other. The woman was distant and cold, and her children didn't know her. And the man had kept the children with him, and had his mistress raise them. How utterly wonderful. I was so disgusted by this infidelity that I slammed this piece of crap of down and vowed never to read it.
September 10, 2019
I have given this book (thankfully the last of the Ginny and Steve books) 5 stars mainly because I was so happy to finally see an end to the tumultuous love affair that kept me upset through almost all of the books! However, there were many errors in the writing itself, such as time lines that didn’t fit with the previous 3 books. (It was as if someone else had written the book and hadn’t bothered to read the first 3). But, that said I was still thrilled that I found the book. Had no idea Rogers had written a 4th book until fairly recently! For me, it finally gave me a satisfactory final final ending for them. I wish she had never written the 3rd book at all, however. The couple weren't even together during the entire book with the exception of at the beginning (where, of course, they were arguing and being mean to each other, mainly Steve, of course) and at the very end, like literally the
last 10 pages of the book. Back to Savage Desire.....it was very good in places but sort of re worked old themes from the previous books. I’m still glad I read it and despite the time frame errors, I would still recommend it to you if you ever had an obsession with this couple and wanted a really and truly happy ending for them. P.S. I wish Rogers would’ve left out Francesca altogether. Lol
last 10 pages of the book. Back to Savage Desire.....it was very good in places but sort of re worked old themes from the previous books. I’m still glad I read it and despite the time frame errors, I would still recommend it to you if you ever had an obsession with this couple and wanted a really and truly happy ending for them. P.S. I wish Rogers would’ve left out Francesca altogether. Lol
August 24, 2017
My full review is I'll post a few excerpts here, though:
3.5 out of 5.0 stars
The very worst thing about this book is that the saga of Ginny and Steve is over�
The very best thing about this book is that the saga of Ginny and Steve is over� I love these characters in spite of all their flaws both in who they are (considering that they’re fictional) and how they were written (usually with a lack of development) and I’m glad that they are finally happy. I’m a sap at heart! :-p
3.5 out of 5.0 stars
The very worst thing about this book is that the saga of Ginny and Steve is over�
The very best thing about this book is that the saga of Ginny and Steve is over� I love these characters in spite of all their flaws both in who they are (considering that they’re fictional) and how they were written (usually with a lack of development) and I’m glad that they are finally happy. I’m a sap at heart! :-p
October 22, 2017
A return to my own hacienda de la nostalgia.
Completely politically incorrect, although I suppose Rogers tried this time, at least a little. Sweet Savage Love was one of the first bodice rippers I ever read, at the tender age of 13-14 (My first? A Pirate's Love by Johanna Lindsay) and left an impression.
The original Ginny and Steve were a product of their time. They belong there.
Completely politically incorrect, although I suppose Rogers tried this time, at least a little. Sweet Savage Love was one of the first bodice rippers I ever read, at the tender age of 13-14 (My first? A Pirate's Love by Johanna Lindsay) and left an impression.
The original Ginny and Steve were a product of their time. They belong there.
October 27, 2023
I first began this series years ago and didn't even know there was a last book until recently. When I saw there was, I felt compelled to see whatever happened to "Ginny and Steve". The book itself was probably well done - at least as well done as the previous one's in the series.
My own taste in reading has steered away from the 'romance formula' to other genres' as I've aged however, and I found the book over wordy with extraneous, unnecessary detail. All of this series contains repeated rapes, and I don't find that something I really care to read about either. But admittedly, all of this may very well be just a personal preference since this is not 'my type of book' anymore.
To me the book was just 'ok'. If you're a romance reader though and not 'triggered' by rape, you might enjoy the entire series.
My own taste in reading has steered away from the 'romance formula' to other genres' as I've aged however, and I found the book over wordy with extraneous, unnecessary detail. All of this series contains repeated rapes, and I don't find that something I really care to read about either. But admittedly, all of this may very well be just a personal preference since this is not 'my type of book' anymore.
To me the book was just 'ok'. If you're a romance reader though and not 'triggered' by rape, you might enjoy the entire series.
March 21, 2023
Savage Desire by Rosemary Rogers (2000), is the fourth and final book in the Steve and Ginny epic romance and finally there’s a growing maturity to both their characters, and they have a much healthier relationship. Steve especially is more insightful and understanding.
Yes, there’s all sorts of ghastly stuff happening to Ginny so again this book isn’t for everyone. If you liked Sweet Savage Love but are daunted about reading books 2 and 3 in the series, you can easily skip them and jump to this one.
Yes, there’s all sorts of ghastly stuff happening to Ginny so again this book isn’t for everyone. If you liked Sweet Savage Love but are daunted about reading books 2 and 3 in the series, you can easily skip them and jump to this one.
November 7, 2017
I truly enjoyed this book. The characters are believable, and you may just find yourself rooting for them, being angry at them, and you might just cry with them. Ms. Rogers has a wonderful gift for being able to describe people, places, and emotions in such a way that you feel that you are right there with them experiencing it all. This novel is no exception, and I found it very hard to put down for a book I grabbed by complete accident.
March 3, 2020
Finally, it would seem, these two crazies have got their act together. But i keep thinking. ‘Is this really finished?� What were those Russian plot point hints that never came to fruition?
“Do you see them?� inquired an observer of his comrade.
The second man, taller than his companion, did not take his eyes from the phaeton as it passed them where they stood in the encompassing shade of a towering oak. “Yes. I know him. It is the woman who interests me, however. She is the one we need.�
“They are all tools, my friend. Weapons in our battle against injustice.�
As the phaeton sped past, none of the occupants noticed the men watching them with such intense scrutiny. One day, they would notice them—but by then it would be too late.�
And
“I hope he is enjoying his time in Russia,� Ginny said politely. “I know he loves to travel to exciting places.�
“Yes, though he did express some concern about the political upheaval there.� Teresa laughed softly. “After the revolution in Cuba, and the one here in Mexico, I would think he would be immune to such conflicts, but he seems quite concerned. He even suggested I warn you to be cautious in the future, as there is a fanatical fringe that seem quite intent upon damaging the Tsar. Richard seems to think they might even attempt to harm you.�
“Me? I hardly think they would go that far. After all, I’m half a world away!�
Can someone enlighten me to what was the point of the above?
I’m rather sad to come to the end of the saga of Ginny and Steve 😝
“Do you see them?� inquired an observer of his comrade.
The second man, taller than his companion, did not take his eyes from the phaeton as it passed them where they stood in the encompassing shade of a towering oak. “Yes. I know him. It is the woman who interests me, however. She is the one we need.�
“They are all tools, my friend. Weapons in our battle against injustice.�
As the phaeton sped past, none of the occupants noticed the men watching them with such intense scrutiny. One day, they would notice them—but by then it would be too late.�
And
“I hope he is enjoying his time in Russia,� Ginny said politely. “I know he loves to travel to exciting places.�
“Yes, though he did express some concern about the political upheaval there.� Teresa laughed softly. “After the revolution in Cuba, and the one here in Mexico, I would think he would be immune to such conflicts, but he seems quite concerned. He even suggested I warn you to be cautious in the future, as there is a fanatical fringe that seem quite intent upon damaging the Tsar. Richard seems to think they might even attempt to harm you.�
“Me? I hardly think they would go that far. After all, I’m half a world away!�
Can someone enlighten me to what was the point of the above?
I’m rather sad to come to the end of the saga of Ginny and Steve 😝
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2021
I read s s love in my 20s plus dark fires and lost love. I am 66 and only discovered she had written savage desire a few weeks ago.
I found it quite boring for half the book nothing was happening just a dreary life of balls and meeting people. The ending was ok. Prefer s s love and wished I’d left it tgere
I found it quite boring for half the book nothing was happening just a dreary life of balls and meeting people. The ending was ok. Prefer s s love and wished I’d left it tgere
June 7, 2024
I just couldn’t get into this book. Almost 100 pages into it and gettin tired of all the characters each of these two blame for whatever crap is between them! Lost interest, hard to follow the spying and or lovers or critical family. I can find something else on he bookshelves.
September 5, 2019
This was a re-read for me and I enjoyed just as much as I did the first time I read it. Ms Rogers knows how to put a novel together that you have a hard time putting down.
cristina
June 12, 2025Cinque stelle
July 27, 2016
Another great Steve and Ginny story. This couple has endured so much in the previous 3 books and finally you can see some maturity and growth in the both of them. I was happy to see that they finally matured and finally started to try and trust each other. These 2 have been through so many tragedies and believe it or not, they endure some more in this book too.
Two very head strong personalities. Great read. Looks like this (book #4) is the last of the series about Ginny and Steve and their relationship.
Two very head strong personalities. Great read. Looks like this (book #4) is the last of the series about Ginny and Steve and their relationship.
July 13, 2016
This is the final book of Steve and Ginny who have gone up and down in their relationship so much you could be sea sick. It finally comes to a satisfying and happy conclusion and that is saying a lot with these two characters. I have enjoyed the ride, but glad they found happiness.
April 24, 2016
The saga is over.
April 15, 2017
the saga is over ...
I chose this one because I read two books in the series and they were absolutely beautiful , love the details of this one ...Rogers is my all time favorite historical romance author <3 !
I would recommend to anyone who loves very intense love scenes .
I chose this one because I read two books in the series and they were absolutely beautiful , love the details of this one ...Rogers is my all time favorite historical romance author <3 !
I would recommend to anyone who loves very intense love scenes .
Want to read
February 16, 2019NTS: paid $3.99, usually costs a lot more.
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