A Perfect Bride

Product Details

• ISBN13: 9780060006617
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Description

The incomparable USA Today bestseller Samanth James cordially invites you to Regency England for a Sterling affair ...

Perfectly Marvelous Devon St. James must surely be dreaming! She closes her eyes in London's poorest slum, and awakens wrapped in fine linens ... staring into the eyes of the most gorgeous man she has ever seen! Sebastian Sterling, marquess of Thurston, is clearly shocked to have a girl from the streets in his bed, though the heat of the desire burning in his gaze is unmistakable. But if he believes Devon will easily submit, he is quite mistaken!

What the devil has he done? It's bad enough their family is already mired in scandal, now Sebastian has to deal with the exquisite young beauty in rags he had impetuously carried into his home! Worse still, the lady is driving the serious, responsible marquess to distraction with her fiery spirit and breathtaking sensuality. But perhaps, just perhaps, with some of Sebastian's private schooling, this low-born enchantress can learn refinement and manners -- and be miraculously transformed from merely his passionate obsession into ...

A Perfect Bride

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Customer Reviews

A Solid 4 Stars with Wonderful Characters!!!
I LOVE the hero and herione in this book, especially Devon! She is now one of my favorite heriones I have come across. There is so much to recommend her. Sebastian is great too and I can't wait to read his brother's story (A Perfect Groom). The story was predictiable in many ways but I enjoyed every moment. Watching their love grow was such fun. I also loved that Devon made Sebastian suffer a bit before the end, he deserved it. I suggest this book with fevor.

2010-05-13 | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 4

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Sweet but...
This was my first Samantha James novel and will probably not be my last. It definitely had promise but I just found Devon to be too annoying. I get somewhat turned off when the hero is lusting after someone with the mentality of a 12 year old.

I did like the relationship between Sebastian and Justin. I'll look forward to reading Justin's story.

2008-08-12 | Love to Read (BC, Canada) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 3

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Perfect Bride,Good Book But Not Perfect
Devon St. James is a poor young woman trying to make a living in London without resorting to thievary or whoring....she disguises herself as a pregnant woman each evening hoping it will help her get home through the London slums without any mishaps. It works until one evening when she is accosted by a pair of gang members who take her wages and attempt to steal the only memento she has left of her mother and when they go to attack her person she stabs and kills one of them. In retaliation the other gang member stabs her in the back and leaves her for dead. Looking for his wayward brother who is frequenting a gaming hell in a bad part of London, the Marquess of Thurston, Sebastian Sterling, comes across the injured Devon and takes her home to tend her. Sebastian, Justin and Julia's mother left their family when they were children and Sebastian has vowed he will never allow scandal to touch his family again. Now he has a beautiful unwed street urchin in his home unchaperoned and worse, she has an expensive necklace on her that he suspects she has stolen. After a bad start, Devon and Sebastian start having feelings for one another. Devon believes Sebastian is the most handsome man in London and Sebastian vows Devon will not return to the conditions she was living in so he attempts to help educate her so that she can gain employment in a respectable household.

This was a sweet story with a couple of unexpected twists but sometimes Devon seemed a little too sweet and childish. Sometimes Sebastian is a contridiction as well. Good story, but not quite perfect.

2007-08-27 | msbooklady (Biloxi, MS) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 4

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It was OK
I've been reading romance novels for years, good and bad. While this is definately NOT the worst, I still couldn't get the characters to pop out of the book. The characters felt hollow and it didn't leave the warm-fuzzy feeling I love as I finish a novel. I've read alot of positive remarks here and I believe that you should give this book a chance. You may have a whole different opinion as I do. And if the author's job was to "touch" people with the storyline, then she definately succeeded. :)

2006-05-08 (Kearns, UT USA) | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 3

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Prepare to fall in love!
Delightful! Both characters felt "real" and made me believe they were in love with one another deeply. Both had great senses of humor too, which is always a plus. Samantha James is such a master at weaving a fairy tale and this book is just that. Sebastian and Devon are such dynamic characters in their own right that it's only a matter of time before the sparks fly. If you long to be swept into the lives of two enchanting people, I highly recommend this one. This book had everything you need to create a good romance: a dashing hero, a beautiful heroine, a person who always seems to interfere with the hero and heroine, and, most of all...PASSION! Samantha James has the ability to break down her characters souls and feed their emotional struggles onto the pages. Samantha James has found a perfect match for the dashing Sebastian with feisty Devon. They are well matched in temperament, intelligence and in their loyalty to their families. It was an interesting. There is enough conflict to make the story line interesting and not so much that your left wondering why they ever got together. The reader will feel the despair, the heartbreak, passion and the joy of Sebastian and Devon in this very excellent character driven romance. A Perfect Bride is a very easy reads. I read this book in half a day and enjoyed it to the end. I love this series.

I really don't agree with the reviewer who says she thought Devon's dismissal of his marriage proposal extreme and unlikely. I think it was realistic. Devon didn't trust Sebastian at that point and she had her grandmother to be able to take care of her. Sebastian needed to prove he love her no matter what. Devon felt used by Sebastian. I likes seeing Sebastian romance Devon.

I'm reading this book for the 3rd time and I still love it.

2005-09-20 | Book lover (austin, tx United States) | Helpful Votes: 6 | Rating: 5

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A Perfect Groom

Description

Perfection is in the eye of the beholder . . .

Proud of his reputation as a rogue, Justin Sterling intends tobe the first to bed "The Unattainable"—the Season's most luscious debutante—and win the wager that's the talk of the ton. However, he never expected the enchantress in question to be Arabella Templeton, who once stole his heart and owns it still. Now the notorious scoundrel will have to prove to her that his intentions are honorable . . . while protecting her virtue from every other rascal in London.

Arabella will marry only for love—and she does not need her childhood nemesis to act as her self-appointed guardian! Though the arrogant cad seems sincere, she is well aware of his rakehell history and won't be swayed by his considerable charm and disarming good looks. For it would be pure madness for Arabella to ignore the voice of reason that whispers "beware!" and heed instead a traitorous heart that insists Justin Sterling would make . . .

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Customer Reviews

A Perfect Groom
This was my first Samantha James book and I can't wait to read more from her! She really help my interest and attention, and the characters were so easy to connect with. She described them well, and the plot was a never-ending journey of twists and turns and steamy fun!

2010-07-26 | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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A Good Book
I really enjoyed this story, and if the story line is a bit hackneyed, what romance story line isn't these days. All romance novels are one author's take on an overused theme. That's what romance readers like. What I like about this book is the emotional complexity of these characters. Justin is considered the Best Looking Man in England, and as much as he uses his looks to get women, he hates them as well. Arabella is a beautiul woman, but she stills herself as the awkward girl of her pubescent years, and can't understand why so many men want to be with her. Watching them (?) work through their separate problems together makes for a good book. Not the best story I've ever read, but it has been on my 'keeper' shelf for years.

2008-01-26 | tink (Hempstead, NY United States) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 4

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Boring, boring, boring.
I am with the only other one star reviewer. There really is nothing here. This book is beyond boring. No real storyline. No character development. No emotional connection. Just more of the same "deep dark secrets", misunderstanding and endless parties that characterize bad books of this genre. If I hadn't learned a lesson(aviod Samantha James books set in the regency period), I would be angry at myself for wasting my time reading this book.

2008-01-15 | The Popster (Los Angeles, CA USA) | Helpful Votes: 3 | Rating: 1

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A Perfect Book!
This book is one of the best books I've read in a long time. Ms. James captivates you with such a wonderful story that you get lost in a wonderful world of romance. Justin and Arabella are a perfect couple. This book really is the perfect book. It is such a wonderful read, that I could not put it down.

2007-11-02 (Alabama) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Good but not unique
Justin Sterling, the second son of a marquis, was born to a mother who was more concerned about her lovers than her children. After their mother abandons them, their father can barely contain his animosity towards them, Justin in particular looks most like his adulterous late wife. After a confrontation with Justin, Justin's father dies of a heart attack and Justin grows up convinced he's inherited his mother's wickedness and lives his life to that expectation. Upon hearing five young men make a bet about who can bed the season's darling dubbed the Unattainable, Justin's friend makes a side bet with him daring him to bed her within the month. When Justin finds out the Unattainable was the little girl Arabella who tormented him as a child, he tries to break the bet but still finds himself drawn to her. Arabella is all grown up now and he is drawn to her unlike any other woman. Arabella has rejected three suitors for her hand, she vows only to marry for love. She has always been self conscious of her height and vivid coloring and when she and Justin get together she feels things she's never felt before. Before long, things progress and Arabella and Justin are married. But will ugly secrets destroy them?

This was a good story, but it seems like I've read this story several times before.

2007-08-28 | msbooklady (Biloxi, MS) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 4

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A Perfect Hero

Description

Can a perfect scoundrel be the perfect hero?

Since she was cruelly left at the altar at the age of twenty-two, Lady Julianna Sterling has resolved to have nothing to do with men. So she is shocked to discover she has unwelcome feelings for the very worst of the breed -- a dangerous, unbearably handsome highwayman who has set upon her coach in the countryside and taken her captive. Worse still, her righteous ire turns quickly to disappointment when the irresistible outlaw sets her free.

Viscount Dane Granville knows he should not have revealed his face to the enchanting Lady Julianna -- for he has compromised the secret mission he has undertaken for the Crown in the guise of the notorious Magpie. Now their paths are crossing once more, and Dane aches to taste again the sweetness of her kiss. But he must resist what his heart demands, for their passion can only lead to perils beyond imagining ...

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Customer Reviews

sweet...
this is the last book in the trilogy of the sterling family. here we have Lady Julianna who was humiliated when her fiancee left her at the altar for another woman. broken hearted she has vowed never to love another or get married. Lady Julianna is now older, independent and has previously bought a house in bath. She is heading there in the dead of night when her coach is stopped by a highwayman. this highwayman is known as the Magpie or Dane. after an argument her coach is flipped and she is in an accident. Dane rescues her and there is where the romance begins. he is different from most of the men that Julianna has met and she is intrigued by him. Dane is likewise curious about the mysterious lady. they both deceive each other with not revealing their true names. this story was slower than the first two but i loved it. it was full of sweetness that i think Julianna needed. Dane is different from most of the men in romance novels. he isn't known as a rake, rogue or any sort of fool that needs to be tamed. Instead he seems like more of a noble man where problems like fidelity aren't the issue. it's more another sort of lifestyle that poses a dilemma in this novel. i would definitely recommend this book! it was just as good as the first two!!

2010-02-08 | Moi (Ontario, Canada) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Great way to finish the trilogy
Enjoyed the entire trilogy, and liked how it finished.
As much as I wanted to find out whether Sebastian, Justin and Julianna shared the same parents, it was lovely that Justin chose not to.
Would have liked to have seen more of an interaction between mother and children/grandchildren after the 20+ years apart, but guess Daphne just wasn't a motherly type.
This was the fourth SJ book I've read, and I will certainly be reading more of her publications. Took me 4 days to read all 4 books (this trilogy plus One Moonlit Night), found it hard to put any of them down.

2008-01-20 | B (Fiji) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 4

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Perfect Ending to Trilogy
Younger sister Julianna gets her own story in the last installment of the Sterling siblings series after Sebastian and Justin's stories, Perfect Bride and Perfect Groom. Four years ago, Julianna was left at the altar and vowed never to trust a man and never to marry. On her way to her home in Bath, Julianna's coach is overtaken by the notorious highwayman the Magpie and when Julianna is injured in the coach's crash, the Magpie takes her to his cabin to recover. When the tables get turned and Julianna shoots and almost kills him, she finds she cannot leave him alone and decides to stay and tend his wound. The Magpie is actually Viscount Dane Gransville who is a spy for the crown. He is posing as a highwayman trying to catch a master counterfitter. Off guard by his attraction to the lovely Julia, she shoots him but when she stays to take care of him his heart is completely lost. When the Magpie lets Julianna go and returns her home, she spends the following weeks pining for a love that she's lost, when a chance encounter leads her to her love's true identity what will happen?

This was definitely the best of the series and I loved Julianna's strong character and Dane's personality. Good book.

2007-08-29 | msbooklady (Biloxi, MS) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 4

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big YAWN
This was a dud.
Personally, I don't think that I would be caught dead with anyone called "the Magpie". It makes me think of annoying squawks that they make and road kill. And a man that would call himself that, no matter what his intent may be, is a huge dork in my eyes.
Also, this chick has got some serious issues. And I don't want to read about them. She feels sorry for herself the entire book and Dane takes pity on her. What self-respecting woman wants a man to have her because he is pitying her? Geez!
Sorry, just not a great read.

2005-09-13 | Helpful Votes: 14 | Rating: 2

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Truly spectacular
Although the first book in this trilogy was my favorite, that doesn't knock this book out of the running for awesome read. I really enjoyed every bit of this book. I thought it was so cute and sweet( and okay a little sappy)the way he called her "kitten" throughout the book. It showed he had affection for her from the beginning of their relationship. Of course anyone who lets you SHOOT you and not be the slightest bit angry with you must have some affection for you. I can't think of one thing that bothered me about this book and i wouldn't hesitate to say so if there was. It was fast paced and kept my attention from start to finish. I'm a little sad to be done with the Sterling family, but i thought it was a wonderful end to the trilogy.

2005-09-12 (FL, USA) | Helpful Votes: 5 | Rating: 5

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His Wicked Ways

Description

From across the Scottish Highlands strides Cameron McKay, the last member of the once powerful Clan MacKay.Handsome, fearless, and determined, he is a man who catches the eye of many a woman.. yet he has but one goal--to find Meredith, last daughter of the Clan Munro..and force her to provide him with an heir.

When Cameron MacKay kidnaps Meredith from the gentle confines of the priory where she has sought refuge, he discovers that he is powerless to resist her tender beauty and is captivated by her bold bargaining for her freedom. And although she is the precious daughter of his sworn enemy, Cameron finds himself tempted to abandon his quest to bend her to his will.

Meredith had vowed long ago never to trust any man..for men and their ways cause pain to those they love. Her head told her not to give in to the dangerous desire she felt for Cameron; but her heart hoped that he had finally abandoned his wicked ways...

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Setting: Scottish Highlands, early 1200s
Sensuality Rating: 7

Shortly before she is to take her nun's vows, Meredith Munro is kidnapped from the Connyridge Priory by a man who seems to hate her as much as he is determined to take her. Cameron MacKay, the last of a once powerful clan, burns with the need for revenge against the Clan Munro, whom he blames for the murder of his father and six brothers. As the beloved daughter of Red Angus Munro, Meredith is the perfect tool. Who better to provide the MacKays with an heir and a chance for their clan's survival but the only child of his worst enemy? But Cameron is surprised by the resistance he encounters in this one small woman, and reluctantly recognizes her incandescent beauty and plucky courage. The captor is soon captivated by his lovely prisoner. And together, Cameron and Meredith heal the wounds of memories too long suffered alone and reunite two clans wrapped in a blood feud for centuries. --Alison Trinkle

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Customer Reviews

Surprisingly good love story!!!...
This is surprisingly nice love story, especially when quite many historical bring out this "abduction" theme.
...Not long ago I've just read Beware of Scot's Revenge- Sabrina Jeffries, Perfect-Judith McNaught which bring out the same theme, so I guess how is this book bring this out?? ...But unfortunately this book is still good for me. I keep turning the page and can not put it down...quite love it...

2009-08-24 (Jakarta, Indonesia) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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A Contrived Mess
The whole plot seemed contrived to me. Everything falling too neatly and not so neatly into place, with no surprises and the characters no Charisma!
Much of the dialog didn't even make sense... to name a couple, but there were many... when the women decided to accept Meredith, they talked among themselves trying to remember why they the MacKay's were even still feuding with the Munro's at all, mentioning silly stuff and making light of it. They failed to mention the most resent reason, the death of Cameron's father and brothers, two of which had their heads on a pike, done by the Munros!! Another was, when Cameron met Meredith's father and admitted what he had done to Munro's daughter; her father was not as outraged as he should have been, even asked who Cameron was when he was wearing a Mackay plaid. Her father should have known Cameron on site, and her father even asked Mackay how far the trip from the MacKay stronghold to the Munro strong hold was. This from a clan leader that's clan has been fighting with the other clan for a hundred years. Even the ending of the book, when Meredith's Uncle knifes Cameron and pulls Meridith from the bed, Meredith is more concerned with her conversation with her Uncle than she is with Cameron laying there maybe dead or bleeding to death. You think she would be yanking away from her Uncle trying to get to her beloved. There are much more just as irritating and stupid dialog in this book. I got sick of Meredith complaining to herself and anyone who would listen, how weak, fearful and forever a coward she was, I could scream.
The first 120 pages of the book were just painfully boring with Meredith dropping to her knees praying every five minutes. This book was very poorly written and I can not recommend paying for the pleasure of reading it. But there are others here that I see disagree with me but I need a plot and dialog more grabbing, in sync and heaven forbid makes some sense!!

2009-08-02 | Faira (Albany, Oregon) | Helpful Votes: 3 | Rating: 1

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3.5 stars
I don't remember why I picked up this book. Maybe because it takes place in the Highlands, but if you're looking for a Scottish book, I wouldn't look to much to this one for the Scottish experience, in that it was lacking. This also has a Enemy and captive story, which I don't really care for (Stockholm Syndrome, ya know?) With that said, this wasn't a terrible story, I sped through it and liked most of it, some parts were very sweet, but I found it a very average read, not memorable. Cameron kidnaps the child of his enemy for killing his family, she falls in love with him, they have a kid, the feud ends, HEA.
For a kick butt enemy story, pick up Honor's Splendour by Julie Garwood, Intimate Enemies by Shana Abe or Kingdom of Dreams by Judith McNaught. Those three, none can compare!

2008-11-28 (St. Petersburg, FL United States) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 4

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HIs Wicked Ways
Samantha James always hits the right tone with her well thought out characters and His Wicked Ways was no different. I always enjoy reading her books and this was no difference. In today's world we all need a little quiet time and escaping with a fun read is the best entertainment I can think of for me!

2008-10-14 | medicine woman (Mesa, AZ USA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 4

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Thought it would be better
I should have been enthralled with this story, the set up is good, would be nun is captured for revenge by bold Highlander. I think I had problems with this novel because it moved slowly in the beginning and both characters were not very communicative with each other.

The story opens with Meredith Munroe, an almost nun, being captured by feuding laird Cameron MacKay. He makes it appear as if she has committed suicide so that Meredith's father will mourn her death. Cameron has a real vendetta, his father and six brothers were killed by the MacKays.

Of course, Meredith does not believe her father had anything to do with this heinous act and vehemently states this to the angry Cameron. I think part of the problem I had with Meredith was she was not altogether very diplomatic with her tone or language with a deeply greiving Cameron. Obviously he is in mourning but there is very little condolences given by Meredith. She is also way stubborn, preferring to be physically in pain rather than ask for help or admit she is wrong.

Meredith was a rape victim and she is frightened and angry. Her desire to keep Cameron at a distance is certainly understandable but her sense of self righteousness got on my nerves when she would let him know his sins. I guess as an almost nun she felt she had the right to tell him what his sins were. Meredith constantly berates herself for being weak, but I never saw this with Cameron. She more than stands her own against him.

Cameron is hostile at first but when they arrive at his keep, he becomes more open and caring. He decides the best way to heal from his ordeal is for Meredith to give him a son and shockingly she agrees to bear him a child so that she can leave the keep. I wondered how a woman could agree to leave her child behind but apparently she never realized the seriousness of the situation until later. Meredith tends to be impulsive.

The last fourth of the book moved smoothly and I liked how the leads interacted with each other. Meredith acted as if she finally liked Cameron and he became very vulnerable to her. However, this did not make up for the parts that were slow moving or for Meredith's inability to think through problems.

2008-10-07 (USA) | Helpful Votes: 3 | Rating: 2

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Bride of a Wicked Scotsman

Description

Lady Maura O'Donnell swore to her father on his deathbed that she'd recover the Circle of Light, an enchanted Celtic relic that had brought the family prosperity—until it was stolen a century earlier by a notorious pirate. Now the pirate's descendant, the Duke of Gleneden, holds this rare treasure, and Maura would give anything to get it back . . .

Alec McBride knows when he's been had. Lady Maura tricked him into marriage with the expertise of a born seductress, and now she'll pay for her treachery. He'll ravish her, tempt her, tame her—until she sorely wishes she'd never heard of the Duke of Gleneden. Caught up in their game of revenge, Alec and Maura never notice what is happening in their hearts—until it's too late.

Their marriage may have been a farce, but there is nothing truer than their desire . . .

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Customer Reviews

Beautiful love story!
I loved the first two books in the McBride family trilogy (The Secret Passion of Simon Blackwell and Seduction of an Unknown Lady) and loved this one just as much. Alec McBride just melted my heart (oh, what a hero!). The masquerade scene when they first meet is one of the best I've ever read. It had me laughing out loud. Such great banter! All of Samantha James's books tug at the heartstrings. This is no exception. Samantha James never disappoints.

2010-02-05 (Hayward, WI) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Poor plot, even poorer writing
This honestly felt like I was reading a rough draft. The plot was underdeveloped and unbelievable. I agree with another poster; I am willing to suspend belief for the sake of a romance novel, but nothing about this book made sense: the ridiculous circle of light, the heroine's machinations, the hero's gullibility and masochism. Even when he knew what she had done, it really didn't matter to him. She never had to grovel at all.

And the writing - where do I begin? Exclamation points every other sentence, short choppy sentences, inane word choices all combined to give this book a sappy & childish feel. I have a very hard time not finishing a book once I start it, but I wish I had just given up on this one. I have really liked several of her other books, and I will read her again, but I won't buy one of her books unless I've borrowed it from the library first.

2010-01-30 | Lovetherain (College Station, TX USA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 1

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Love Ms. James - HATED this Book!
I usually love Ms. James' novels - unlike a lot of romance writers, she publishes sparingly, and that is usually reflected in the quality of her characters and plot. I am also a person who usually forces myself to plow through to the end of a book, even one I'm not particularly enjoying. Well...I just couldn't do it, with this one. I couldn't get past the first few dozen pages, wherein the cravenly selfish heroine set up the "hero" to be tricked into marriage...for some zany family heirloom with wacko powers. I kid you not. WOOF. This one's a dog!

2009-07-26 | Elbyem (Toronto, Ontario Canada) | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 2

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I thought this was a romance not Si-fi
Not a good read. Kinda stupid. What the heck is a circle of light?!?! Good grief! I HAD to buy it cause it was Samantha James, LOYALTY! sheese! Anway, I hope she pulls it out of her hat next time. Most of her books I can't put down to save my soul! So maybe her next book will be better.... (can't be worst) :)

2009-07-23 | Book lover (Oklahoma) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 1

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Bride of a Wicked Scotsman by Samantha James
Samantha James penned a winner for me with "Bride of a Wicked Scotsman". This is her final book starring members of the McBride family and this time we learn more about the eldest brother Alec.

Long ago there was a proud Irish family, the McDonoughs, and they lived on a prosperous estate; partly thanks to a magical relic called the Circle of Light. Then one day a pirate called the Black Scotsman sailed in and stole the Circle of Light and ever since, the McDonough lands have languished and the family has all but died out...with the sole exception of Lady Maura. She promised her father, on his deathbed, that she would find and return the magical artifact to their lands in Ireland...this is her story.

Alec, Duke of Gleneden, is NOT superstitious. He IS, however, very handsome and quite sought after by both mothers and maidens of the ton both in England and Scotland. But he's wise enough to avoid the traps laid for him...until Maura. Their attraction is immediate, but when she tricks him into marriage his anger is fierce; until he comes to know Maura and realizes his desire for her is more than lust. But will he believe in magic and relics?

The story is so much better than I described above. Maura becomes torn between her people and her love and Alec must learn to look beyond the facts. Two people who turn out to be just right for each other, yet still willing to sacrifice for the greater good. I like that neither of them were stupid, malicious, or mercenary. Their relationship began with a bang (hah hah), but afterward they dropped back and the growth of their love was well-paced and realistic--each coming to know and love the other for the small things that make up an individual.

The sensual attraction between the hero and heroine was electric from the first; and kept growing throughout the story. The love scenes were HOT, but still within an NC-17ish rating. The story didn't make me cry. It did provide several laughs, many sighs, and a tense moment or two. Samantha James' books are a pleasure to read and I found "Bride of a Wicked Scotsman" no exception.

2009-06-14 | jj (Grovetown, GA) | Helpful Votes: 2 | Rating: 4

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My Lord Conqueror (An Avon Romantic Treasure)

Description

By rights, Merrick of Normandy should
shun the serpent-tongued beauty who wishes
him dead. But Alana's sensuous fire
draws him to her -- and burns him to his warrior
soul. It is he who is lord and she the captive.
Yet Merrick can never claim true victory until
the proud Saxon maid shares his passion --
and embraces him as master of her heart.

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Customer Reviews

What kind of conqueror was that??!
After reading all of the reviews, I was under impression that the book would be something like Brenda Joyce "Conqueror", it was not even close to that! Merrick came out looking completely weak and powerless. He couldn't control the villagers or anyone else for that matter, allowing his own people to plot against him. Most of his dialogue was " I am your lord and conqueror. You will be mine." But all he did is whine this entire book. The author spend so much time leading to the inevitable sex scene, it was absurd- with all this bathing and sleeping in the nude,by the time they actually did it no one cared! Alana's strange devotion to the same people that hated and abused her all of her life, not to mention her sister that clearly despises her, makes her look incredibly stupid. And why bother giving characters names, if all they called themselves is " Saxon" and "Norman"? If you want a strong hero who is in control, read the "Conqueror" by Joyce!

2007-03-16 (New York) | Helpful Votes: 3 | Rating: 3

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My Lord Conqueror
Samantha James is my new best friend, well, in reading anyway. Her books are incredible. I can't get enough of them. In My Lord Conqueror her hero, Merrick of Normandy is delicious in every way! Her heroine, Alana is fearless and lovely and fun. The ending was chilling and had me enthralled. Her words fairly leaped off the pages. I have read, no devoured, several of Samantha James books: His Wicked Ways, His Wicked Promise, A Perfect Bride, A Perfect Groom, and my personal favorite of the trio, A Perfect Bride. The only way a reader could be disappointed in reading Samantha James's books is if there wasn't any more of her books to read, so keep writing Ms. James and I'll keep reading, BRAVO!!

2005-08-15 | Mylady (New England) | Helpful Votes: 5 | Rating: 5

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A Great Romance
I read this story a long time ago. I will probably need to purchase a new book sometime soon because the one that I have is almost falling apart. This is a pretty old book. I think it was written in the early nineties. The formula for the story (Norman Knight and Saxon peasant) has been used before, but the author works their magic in a special way. With most historical romances of this period. You begin to feel ambivalent toward the hero or heroine. Not with in this book!! You understand the reasons for the heroine's anxiety, and you also understand the pov of the hero. I highly recommend this book.

2002-12-01 | tinkkytone (La Mesa, CA United States) | Helpful Votes: 5 | Rating: 5

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A milder and much sweeter Norman conqueror story.
What is there not to like about Alana and Merrick? They were wonderful. I loved reading their story. Merrick never treated Alana as Rolfe treated Ceidre in The Conqueror going so far as to marry her off to his best friend and taking her on their wedding night. Alana and Merrick's story was filled with love, not like Rolfe and Ceidre, which was filled with brutality and betrayal. I much preferred Merrick and Alana's story of love to the brutal cruelty of The Conqueror. Alana and Merrick were well matched and their love came out strongly and nicely where you could relax and enjoy the storyline. There was warmth in their story and her gift was an extra touch. Merrick never treated her with indifference. Their feelings for one another and reactions to the other gave the reader a warm, fuzzy feeling. I felt they were strong, flushed out characters that made their story a very enjoyable read. Samantha James is an excellent writer that has her own style and stands with the best. Us squeamish readers need our writers too.

2002-05-08 | Helpful Votes: 5 | Rating: 5

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a nice read
I liked this book. It did remind me of Kathleen E. Woodiwiss's The Wolf and the Dove but it didn't have the strong character developement that that book had. The hero, Merrick is a Norman Lord who has taken be force the Heroine's home. Alana, is a Saxon who was the former lord's bastard child. She is feared by the villagers because of her dreams that tend to come true. He makes her his mistress despite the fact that she fights him at every turn. She must over come her own feelings of hate to love this conqueror and he must overcome his distrust of her. The story is a good one but I wished the characters had a bit more substance.

2002-01-28 | satinskper (Albuquerque, NM USA) | Helpful Votes: 6 | Rating: 3

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