An Elusive Desire (1983) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?

Name: An Elusive Desire
Rating: 3.0 (8 reviews)
Author: Anne Mather

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

As a girl, Jaime had learned how powerful love can be in the arms of a wealthy Italian count, Raphael di Vaggio. Yet she had rejected him to pursue her career. He had found someone else and for five years Jaime had struggled single mindedly for financial and emotional independence. Then a twist of fate revived old memories and a passion she thought had died. Too late she realized she had made the wrong decision. Surely now there could be no turning back.

Adult • 1983 • 188 pages • Grade 10-12

by Anne Mather

3.0

Average rating by Bontent members

Age

16+

This 1983 romance novel follows Jaime, a woman who reconnects with her former lover, an Italian count, years after rejecting him for her career. The narrative focuses on emotional longing, internal conflict, and romantic tension characteristic of the Harlequin era. Parents should be aware of the focus on adult romantic dynamics and the emotional intensity of the rekindled relationship.

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Is An Elusive Desire appropriate for kids?

Content severity in An Elusive Desire

Sex Moderate 3/10

Violence None 0/10

Language Mild 1/10

Substances Mild 2/10

Themes Moderate 3/10

What happens in An Elusive Desire, moment by moment

p. 12 🔥 Mature Themes 2/10
p. 18 💬 Language 1/10
p. 28 🍷 Substances 2/10

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Sex and nudity in An Elusive Desire

The book contains mild sexual tension and suggestive situations typical of the 1980s romance genre. Jaime and Raphael share several high-tension moments, such as when he surprises her at a London theater or during intimate moments in the Italian villa. While there are descriptions of lingering looks, heated kisses, and the overwhelming physical awareness between the former lovers, the narrative avoids graphic depictions of intercourse. The focus remains on the 'elusive desire' of the title, emphasizing emotional…

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Violence and gore in An Elusive Desire

There is no significant physical violence in this book. The conflict is entirely interpersonal and emotional, stemming from choices about career versus marriage and past romantic hurts. Jaime and Raphael engage in several heated verbal exchanges where voices are raised and accusations of betrayal are thrown, but these never escalate to physical altercations. The tension is psychological, focusing on the fear of vulnerability rather than physical harm. Even moments of physical intensity, such as Raphael grabbing…

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Language in An Elusive Desire

The language is consistent with traditional romance novels of the era and is quite clean overall. Readers will find occasional mild expressions of frustration like 'hell' or 'damn,' but harsh profanity and vulgarity are essentially non-existent. The dialogue between Jaime and Raphael is polished, reflecting their sophisticated social status and professional backgrounds. Any intensity in the speech comes from emotional weight rather than coarse wording. The prose is sophisticated and descriptive, maintaining a tone…

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Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in An Elusive Desire

Substance use is limited to the standard social interactions expected in this setting. Characters may be shown having wine during dinner or social gatherings in Italy, reflecting the lifestyle depicted. There is no focus on abuse or problematic consumption; it remains a background element of social atmosphere.

Mature themes in An Elusive Desire

The central themes revolve around the conflict between personal independence and romantic commitment. Jaime faces significant internal turmoil as she weighs her career success against the emotional void left by her separation from Count Raphael. The story explores the consequences of past decisions, the difficulty of forgiveness, and the evolution of maturity over time. It specifically highlights the societal expectations placed on professional women during the early 1980s. Ultimately, the narrative examines…

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is An Elusive Desire appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests An Elusive Desire is best for ages 16+. This 1983 romance novel follows Jaime, a woman who reconnects with her former lover, an Italian count, years after rejecting him for her career. The narrative focuses on emotional longing, internal conflict, and…

What age rating does An Elusive Desire have?

Books don't carry official age ratings. An Elusive Desire is shelved by its publisher as Adult, but that's a marketing category, not a content rating — Bontent's own review of what's actually on the page puts it at ages 16+.

What reading level is An Elusive Desire?

An Elusive Desire is 188 pages and its reading level is Grade 10-12. Bontent recommends it for ages 16+.

What is An Elusive Desire about?

Is there sex or nudity in An Elusive Desire?

How violent is An Elusive Desire?

Is the language in An Elusive Desire appropriate for kids?

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking depicted in An Elusive Desire?

What mature themes appear in An Elusive Desire?

Where can I read the full An Elusive Desire parent guide?

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