Desire for Revenge (2015) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?

Name: Desire for Revenge
Rating: 3.9 (20 reviews)
Author: Penny Jordan

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

Sarah French believed in love at first sight. But after meeting the man of her dreams, and spending a night of passion in his arms, she was scared the magic couldn't possibly last. So she left before he awoke. Joshua Howard had met his perfect woman, and lost her again in one night. Now her vowed to get his own back on her, and his revenge was going to be sweet and slow. It would begin as soon as he introduced himself as Sarah's new boss.

Adult • 2015 • 222 pages • Adult Contemporary Romance

by Penny Jordan

3.9

Average rating by Bontent members

Age

16+

This contemporary romance is appropriate for readers 16+ due to themes of workplace sexual harassment, retaliatory behavior, and moderate sexual content. The story follows a woman who flees after a one-night stand, only to find the man is her new boss, leading to a plot built on professional intimidation and manipulated consent. Parents should be aware of the 'revenge' dynamic, where the male lead uses his position of power to… Sign up for the full guide

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Is Desire for Revenge appropriate for kids?

Content severity in Desire for Revenge

Sex Strong 6/10

Violence None 0/10

Language Moderate 3/10

Substances Mild 2/10

Themes Strong 6/10

What happens in Desire for Revenge, moment by moment

p. 5 ♥ Sex & Nudity 5/10
p. 12 💬 Language 2/10
p. 24 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10

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Sex and nudity in Desire for Revenge

The book centers on a one-night stand, mostly recalled through Sarah's fragmented memories in the first chapter, and subsequent high-tension encounters after the characters are reunited at the office. While typical of 80s/90s-style Harlequin romances, there are descriptions of physical longing, heavy petting, and Sarah's internal struggle with her body's response to Joshua. A moderately descriptive encounter toward the end of the book in Chapter 12 details their reconciliation through physical intimacy. The prose…

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Violence and gore in Desire for Revenge

Physical violence is absent, but the narrative contains significant emotional aggression and psychological bullying. The 'revenge' plot involves the male protagonist using his professional authority to corner and intimidate Sarah in private offices, which some readers may find psychologically distressing. Joshua occasionally grips Sarah's wrist or shoulders with enough force to show his dominance, though he does not intend to cause physical injury. Sarah feels a constant sense of being 'trapped' or 'hunted' within…

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Language in Desire for Revenge

Language is generally mild for the genre, with occasional use of 'hell,' 'damn,' and 'bastard' used in moments of high frustration or during Joshua's outbursts. Sarah occasionally uses sharp language to defend herself, though she mostly remains internal with her critiques. There are no instances of severe profanity or racial slurs throughout the text. The dialogue reflects a formal, professional environment where insults are often veiled rather than explicit. Some gendered insults appear, such as Joshua referring…

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Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Desire for Revenge

Social drinking occurs at professional events and dinners; alcohol is occasionally used to lower inhibitions or calm Sarah's nerves when she feels overwhelmed by Joshua's presence. Joshua is often seen pouring himself a stiff drink after a stressful encounter or while brooding in his apartment. There is no mention of illegal drugs or substance abuse that impairs a character's ability to function. The portrayal of alcohol is consistent with a high-society corporate setting where wine and spirits are markers of…

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Mature themes in Desire for Revenge

The core themes involve workplace power dynamics, the ethics of revenge, and the impact of non-disclosure in romantic relationships. There is a strong emphasis on the tension between professional boundaries and personal desire.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Desire for Revenge appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Desire for Revenge is best for ages 16+. This contemporary romance is appropriate for readers 16+ due to themes of workplace sexual harassment, retaliatory behavior, and moderate sexual content. The story follows a woman who flees after a one-night stand, only…

What age rating does Desire for Revenge have?

Books don't carry official age ratings. Desire for Revenge 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 Desire for Revenge?

Desire for Revenge is 222 pages and its reading level is Adult Contemporary Romance. Bontent recommends it for ages 16+.

What is Desire for Revenge about?

Is there sex or nudity in Desire for Revenge?

How violent is Desire for Revenge?

Is the language in Desire for Revenge appropriate for kids?

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking depicted in Desire for Revenge?

What mature themes appear in Desire for Revenge?

Where can I read the full Desire for Revenge parent guide?

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