Customer Reviews

Legends

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I couldn't believe when I found out that Loveswept was back and going digital. This line of books started in the early 80's and was a game changer in paperback romances. Until Loveswept, Categories tended to follow the same formula laid out by English publishers in the first half of the century. And then came these stories where anything goes. All the variety you find today on the romance shelves can be traced back to the success of this publisher.

Deborah Smith writes the most interesting characters, always a mix of traits and habits that wouldn't occur to anyone else. In this book, the hero and heroine are engaging, several of the secondary characters are interesting, and the writing is solid.

However, I had real philosophical issues with the plot. I am not a believer in the Ends Justifies the Means, and I didn't think the heroine's and her cohorts' actions were understandable and appropriate, much less forgivable. I have no patience for people who think the rules apply only to others. And since the heroine was willing to perpetuate the same reprehensible actions at two additional times in the story, including the VERY end, this was clearly a personality issue, not a situational one.

Solely because of the plot, I don't recommend this book. But if this kind of thing doesn't bother you, I strongly recommend the author. If you have never read Smith before, this is priced for easy discovery. And I will be eagerly awaiting the release of more of her backlist on Kindle.

Legends was an exciting, fun chess game of intrigue, attraction, and love.

For all the contemporary romance novels in the market today, Legends is one that I will remember due to it's off kilter premiss, endearing characters, sweet love story, and Sam (a brilliant dog).

Douglas Kincaid is an enigma - he is outwardly one person while inwardly the polar opposite. He's a multi-millionaire (maybe even billionaire) who has branded everything he's owned or taken over with his name. He wants the world to see the success he's claimed and admire the drive he possesses. Behind the public eye, however, he's an incredibly down-to-earth man with a heart of gold. His biggest secret is that he's lonely and is ready to settle down, but the woman he chooses must be a perfect blend of wit, business sense, beauty, and sincerity.

Enter Elgiva... She instantly captures Douglas' attention and, soon after introductions, literally captures his entire being. Elgiva is heir to land in Scotland that Douglas is planning on acquiring. If the sale of the land falls through - due to a missed deadline, for example - she will be awarded the property. The very small population of her town is counting on her to secure the land so that they can remain in their homes versus relocate as they would be ordered to do if Douglas Kindcaid's acquisition succeeds. Talk about pressure!!!! What is a girl to do? Kidnap and hold Douglas Kincaid captive, of course!

And so begins the cat and mouse games of business, attraction, and, ultimately, love. Legends definitely captivated me from the very first page. The characters were richly created and developed. The ever changing strategies and leaders (Douglas and Elgiva) kept the story moving at a nice pace. The chemistry and relationship between Douglas and Elgiva was challenging, stubborn, and endearing - truly a breath of fresh air.

I highly recommend Legends to any reader who is looking for a romantic tale that breaks away from the mold and puts the woman in charge... most of the time... ;)

Thank you Deborah Smith for a wonderfully told romantic present-day fairy tale!!!!

I received this ARC from netgalley.com

It has honestly been so long since I have read a really good straight romance novel. When I read the description for this on netgalley, I was instantly drawn to it. Not only was it contemporary, but it was set with a Scottish theme. And this time it wasn't some hunky highlander, but a strong willed, very powerful fiery red headed female! I was instantly infatuated, and I was more than willing to grab onto the chance to read and review this novel.

Let's just say I was not disappointed! Right from the beginning we get a taste of our `hero' and well; he is suave, dashing, rich to all high heaven, and arrogant as all get up. Did I like him? No! Why, because he was almost downright wicked to Elgiva. Ok, yes the woman kidnaps him. But its not like she is abusing him in anyway, she is keeping him warm, feed, clothed, and has all his commodities from home available to him. However, there is no battle that Douglas is not willing to lose. Even if Elgiva is one of the most beautiful women he has ever seen, not to mention once he gets her going, one of the most sensual.

I was fanning myself more than once, and ready to yell at our daft hero more than once in this book. The story just flow smooth as a nice cool spring day. I ended up falling in love with both our main characters and hoping to God that they both got over their stubbornness and realized they were in love with one another. As much as I wanted to beat Douglas over the head with a frying pan, I wanted to fall into his arms, kissing him till my lips ached, and tell him "Take me you big stud!" Oh, yes the man is that well written and hot to trot!

Elgiva was my kind of heroine. First off she could cook and make clothes. At first I was rolling my eyes in worry that she was going to turn out dim witted and a Susie homemaker. I was very soon eating my words. Deborah Smith has written a strong and very likable heroine that I would totally want to befriend or live up to if I knew this woman in real life. She doesn't accept defeat and she was unwilling to allow her while village to turn to nothing all because a rich man was drawn to it.
After many misunderstandings, a few sexual stand offs that lead me yelling at the book going "Just do it already please!!!!" I was left wanting more of Deborah Smith, and loving the fact that Douglas and Elgiva were getting their happily ever after!

*netgalley book*

I enjoyed the writing and premise of this book. I liked the heroine. she was strong, but not overpowering. A silent strength lurked inside an easily emotionally wounded woman. I enjoyed the opening very much and couldn't wait for more.

My problem was with the hero. This could be a personal matter to me, so please check the book out if the blurb sounds interesting (it was a fun read!). On one page I really, really liked him. Then he'd say or do something that just completely turned me off to the point I wanted to put the book down. Since I liked the premise of the story, the heroine and the hook, I wanted to know what happened and so I'd keep reading. Then the hero would surprise me with some action or thought and he'd win me back over. Another few pages and he'd do or say something that'd disappoint me again. This went on and on throughout the book. I wanted to like him, he gave me plenty of reasons to like him, but he gave me plenty to not like him too.

Legends by Deborah Smith Loveswept eISBN-978-0-307-79666-0

Douglas Kincaid is a self-made billionaire and his name was stamped on everything he owned, even an Island. He sat in his office on New Years Eve looking through the two way mirror at the guests. He was not going to stamp his name on a wife. As his Gert, his executive secretary, was telling him what blondes were present and available someone suddenly came in front of the mirror. A tall blonde in a green dress. As she looked into the mirror and checked her mirror and make-up she leaned enough for him to get a view of all her assets. He liked the whole picture. He sent Gert to find out about her and to bring her in his office but the woman wanted to meet him on his rooftop, where he had created a forest. Once there he quickly found himself shot with a tranquilizer and the next time he woke up he was in a cell.

Elgive MacRoth could not help but admire this man they kidnapped. She also had disdain for him. She had read all about him, about his wealth. He was buying up their family heritage and all the people would be forced leave their homes and farms. They needed to keep him prisoner until it was too late to buy it. Her hateful Uncle Angus had taken over when her parents died and put her brother Rob and herself out of the home. And he tried to take away the rest in his death but if Kincaid did not buy it then everything would return to it's rightful heirs. Legends and the family's heritage was important to the MacRoth clan of Druradeen, Scotland. Elgive wanted to remind Douglas of the legends of the Kincaids as well but he refused to believe he had roots here. He had tried to trace his roots here and there was nothing.

When Douglas is rescued by his security team he turns the tables and takes Elgive with him. He tries to bathe her in luxury on his private Island but he has to see that material things are not what is important to her. The legend of the MacRoth and Kincaid feud is.

Contains sexual situations

Book received through NetGalley for review

remember reading this book years ago. I still like it and enjoyed reading again. Now I wish I could go back and read other books by her again.
Douglas Kincaid is a selfmade billionare. He collects things and puts the Kincaid name on everything including the dog. He thinks its time for a wife so he is sitting behind a one sided mirror being told about the different women at his party. When a big beautiful woman peers at the mirror and gives him an eyefull.
Elgiva MacRoth drew his attention and got him to show her his garden on the roof than shot him with a tranquiler gun. Kidnapped him off his own highrise building and put him in a cell in highlands of Scottland. Elgiva is a widow and plans to keep Douglas in the cell for a month till his agreement to buy option runs out. He plans to buy her home and village and kick everyone out turning it to a tourist village. He plans to help them find new homes but they have been thier for generations.
Elgiva is also planning to teach him about his own history of the Kincaid clan, She plans to take care of him feed him well and promises he won't be hurt.
Kincaid believes he will be rescued by his security long before his option to buy runs out. He is furious with her tries to embrass her, hurt her and he is attracted to her.
They are both stubborn and determened to have thier own way as they fall for each other.
I have read a lot of her books and plan to read more of her works. After Elgiva story is a lot of book excerpts from different authors that will be available again. I was given this ebook in exchange for honest review.