Customer Reviews

Love Me Forever (Sherring Cross)

5 star:		(37)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(11)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I enjoyed this book a lot more than the prequel, MAN OF MY DREAMS. Although this one is a bit on the light side compared to my other book readings, I enjoyed it nevertheless. The thing is, LOVE ME FOREVER has the usual plot of an impoverished hero seeking for a rich heiress to marry in order to save his clan... Since I've read many books with this familiar format, I didn't have that new excitement feelings while reading this book. In my opinion, Love Me Forever needs a bit more of wickedness to add sauciness to the overall story, a little bit of hard twist to add excitement and a little bit more of misunderstanding to add complexity to the relationship. However, Johanna Lindsey made it up by adding a touch of spunk & uniqueness on her well defined and utterly lovable characters. Lachlan and Kimberly are now in one of few favorite hero/heroine list of all times. They both have flaws physically which was a welcome change for me. They're both too tall for others yet perfectly fit for each other. I was also getting tired of dark, stuffy, brooding and overbearing heroes. Our Lachlan here is playful, a tease, charming and loving. He's a happy go lucky kindda guy. Mind u, he is all MANLY with a touch of arrogance but his boyish character is what drawned me more to him. There's also no denial for him, he knows what he wants and goes for it. He realized in the end that he was in love with Kimberly and accepted it so. He is direct yet perhaps a bit dense... MEN, what can I say? LOL. Now, our heroine, Kimberly is just as refreshing as Lachlan. She was not describe as overly beautiful nor was she attractively sought after like most heroine in other books. In fact, She was considered unnoticeable. She does have her own beauty though which people notices only after a time. Kindda like, Her beauty grows in you. She's quite & shy from time to time which I find fetching. She can be confident one minute then insecure next. She's more realistic, just like u and me. That's what made me like her all the more. Together, they made up for each other's weaknesses. He is handsome, she is regular. He is funny, she is serious. When one is too trustful, the other is wary. I say, they are truly for each other! As for their relationship, well...their love developed slowly yet surely. I liked that idea very much. This isn't a love at first sight thing, at least not for Lachlan, for he only have eyes for Megan. Ugh. Now, this is an added flutter to the plot. Since I've read MAN ON MY DREAMS, it was also good to see Megan and Devlin again. To read updates about the rest of the characters in MOMD was definitely a smiler. However, If u read my review on MOMD, the prequel for this book, you will see that I particularly didn't favor Megan and Devlin there... They're ok but not for me to liked them as I feel for Lachlan and Kimberly here in LMF. Especially after reading that harsh and low incident with Devlin and Lachlan (read to know what i mean), it was just so easy for me to dislike Devlin... UGH! Oh well, in the end, Ms. Lindsey did once again made up for that and made Devlin likable again. But I still like Lachlan best!

Despite its light-sided plot, Overall, this book is filled with humor and heart warming scenes you wouldn't want to miss.

This book is wonderful! It seemed like a breath of fresh air for romance enthusiasts who are tired of the same ol' kidnap/runaway/lover's fighting plotlines that we have come to know and love.

Lachlan is one of my favorite heroes, saying and doing all the right things for Kimberly, and I LOVED the fact that he calls her "Kimber". It was such an endearing nick name whenever he used it.

Kimberly is a perfect heroin, someone we can all picture ourselves as. She isn't beautiful, but she isn't ugly either, just *normal*. At first, Lachlan doesn't notice her for she is outshined by the magnificent beauty of the Duchess of Wrothson, but little by little, he *does* begin to notice and I thought that is more like what happens in real life.

They never bicker, she doesn't run away, nor is she kidnapped, and the book is wrapped up nicely by the end, not just within the last 5 paragraphs as we have come to expect of other romance novels.

Finally, we have a heroin who isn't a beauty, a man who sees how beautiful she is despite her plainness, and an all around feel-good love story that will make you wish Lachlan MacGregor was a real man. If you haven't read this one, I strongly suggest you do. It is a sequel to "Man of My Dreams", yet I believe it is 10 times better.

This book is the Sequel to the story of "Man of My Dreams" whose main characters were the Duke and Duchess of Wrothston, Devlin & Megan.

I just love the Heroine Kimberly Richards! She is outspoken and strong, but not to the point of being obnoxious. I hate when they are so "strong" that everything is an argument or viewed distasteful. It gets to be so annoying! Anyway Kimberly is sent to stay with the Wrothstons in order for them to find her a husband quickly, at the request of Kimberly's cold father, who wants her gone.

Our Hero Lachlan MacGregor is a gem! He is strong, handsome and charming but not in a sappy way. I fell in love with him! He also comes to the Wrothstons in need of a bride. His aunt (by marriage) is related to the Wrothstons.

Unbeknown to him is that the Duchess of Wrothston, Megan is the woman that he tried to kidnap from Devlin a year or so ago, and he and Devlin had fought. He thinks Megan is the most beautiful creature that he has ever seen and feels that he is in love with her. When he sees Megan again he thinks that it is faith and that they belong together. He wants to steal her away from Devlin. On the first meeting he doesn't even notice Kimberly, too busy looking at Megan. But Kimberly notices him.

I was smiling to myself while reading the book. Lachlan and Kimberly of course get off on the wrong foot, but soon sparks begin to fly. Their banter is charming and witty. And that banter and their disagreements makes him take notice of her. And what I love is Kimberly is not a ravishing beauty who had men falling at her feet. She is on the "plain" side but had a nice figure and beautiful violet eyes. I loved how Lachlan starts to notice Kimberly first by her standing up to him, how she sparked his anger and lust in a way his "love" Megan couldn't. I loved the way he starts noticing the beautiful color of her eyes and her curvy figure while getting to know her. It is definitely refreshing reading a story where the Hero & Heroine don't love each other at first sight but slowly with time. Don't get me wrong, sometimes it makes for a great read but is overdone in romance novels! This story was more realistic but never less romantic!!!

The only thing I found really annoying was Devlin & Megan, especially Devlin! ***SPOILER in JUST the NEXT SENTENCE***
At one point Devlin is beating the heck out of a drunken Lachlan and it really pissed me off! Let's beat on the drunk guy Devlin! But don't think Lachlan could not have handle Devlin, he's still an Alpha male but was half gone from being drunk.

I haven't read "Man of My Dreams", that book is Devlin & Megan's story, and their characters in this book doesn't inspire me to want to either. JL wasted a couple of pages on them to my extreme annoyance! I found Devlin to be stuffy and Megan is...I don't know...maybe it's just me but didn't really feel her. They were OK in the end but I could have done without them in Lachlan & Kimberly's story!

I love this book! It is a keeper and one of my favorites. I view books as being keepers when I can read it again and again without being bored. I don't understand how anyone would not like it. It's refreshing from the same old tired plot!

Johanna Lindsey is a great writer and I love almost all of her books! Another great author I recommend is Teresa Medeiros, especially "Thief of Hearts"!

Kimberly's father has arranged for her to stay with the Duke and Duchess of Wrothston so that she may find a husband. Her heart is stolen when Lachlan MacGregor, the Duke's previously unknown cousin by marriage, arrives. A year before, Lachlan had actually kidnapped Megan, the now Duchess of Wrothston, believing himself in love with her. He still intends to win her over despite her marriage while plain Kimberly pales in comparison to the Duchess' classic beauty. But something strange is happening. Kimberly is blossoming before Lachlan's eyes. While whispering words of love to Megan, he becomes drawn to Kimberly. He imagines himself making love to her and in a night of passion does just that. Now he must marry her, but Kimberly will have none of that. She refuses to marry a man in love with another woman, a man who is obviously out for her money. Or is he?

Kimberly and Lachlan sizzle in this warm, funny, enchanting tale of two people finding each other despite what they might believe otherwise. Kimberly is a wonderful character: courageous, yet occasionally shy, warm, humourous, and intelligent. Lachlan is a rogue thru and thru, but as he is drawn toward Kimberly becomes a devoted and attentive lover, a man that any woman could love forever. This is one of my absolute favorites by Lindsey and I consider it one of her best.

This book was a juicy read. This book focuses on the rogue highwayman Lachlan introduced in MAN OF MY DREAMS, and adds an interesting herione. Their first meeting certainly isn't love at first sight, but gives a good starting point for the rest of the ride. The addition of a jealous female suitor, an ironic plot twisiting coincidence, and a new identity discovered all make for a read that is very hard to put down. Just when you think the story can't twist any more, another situation adds a laugh and layer to the story. There's more than one sub plot here, and each adds a rich thread to the book. If you liked MAN OF MY DREAMS this is a fitting, even a little bit better, sequel.

I loved this book! Johanna Lindsey really knows how to write a great romance. This story takes you back to the 19th century when romance and marriage where a whole different story from this day and time. This is one of the most romantic "fairy tales" I have read. The character's are written very well. I fell in love with Lachlan, the minute he enters the story. I thought Kimberly was so unique and without a doubt, most charming and ladylike. Megan and The Duke are simply the most enchanting host and hostess. Kimberly's father, Cecil, could take a hike for all I cared, and in the end, he actually does! I won't say "how and why", you have to read this!!! Lindsey had me so drawn into this book, that I felt like I was actually there, I simply could not put this book down. If you have never read any of Lindsey's books, now is the time to start, especially if you love a good ole fashionable romance that takes you back in time. This was an uplifting novel, I can't wait to read her others.

Have you read "Man of My Dreams" yet? If not then you should because it sets up this book but don't expect to have nearly as much fun because in my opinion "Love Me Forever" is ten times better! I adored Lachlan as soon as he was introduced back in MOMD fawning over Megan. In fact, I actually hoped he'd end up with her instead of Devlin (who appears COMPLETELY different in this novel than the first. He's actually likeable here, he was a jerk in MOMD). Who wouldn't adore Lachlan? He and Kimber make such a perfect pair! I highly recommend this book! Only read MOMD if you really want background information because otherwise you'll probably just get a headache and fall asleep. Stick with the loveable Scot Lachlan! You'll enjoy yourself much more!

This is the second in the Sherring Cross trilogy (Man of My Dreams, Love Me Forever and The Pursuit). I didn't think this one was as good as the first and it was a bit slow in the middle for me. Johanna Lindsey can certainly write 5 star romances (Hearts Aflame is an example) but she is inconsistent so you need to check reviews before you buy them all. In this case, while I found the story entertaining, I didn't think it lived up to the reviews.

Like the one before it, this takes place in the late 1800s and primarily in England. It tells the story of Lachlan MacGreggor, a handsome and charming young Scottish laird whose inheritance was stolen by his stepmother when his father died and now he must find a rich wife...and that means an English one...to save his clan and castle. Kimberly Richards is an average looking English heiress whose betrothal was broken (though her heart is intact) and is in the market for a husband because her father who has never cared about her wants her gone with his impending marriage. Both come to Sherring Cross, the estate of the Duke and Duchess (Megan & Devlin St. James who we met in Man of My Dreams). It is at their estate where most of the story takes place. There is a segment in Scotland and that's good for those of us who love the Highland romances.

I found the hero very likable with his charm and winsome good looks. And for the most part, he was honorable and consistent in his feelings for Kimberly. Yes, he did act the cad when he stole into her bedroom but what you have to know is that both were already falling in love with each other so it wasn't just a lustful act on his part. Anyway, these aren't terribly realistic historical romances so you have to allow Lindsey some leeway in the telling of the tale. For the more realistic ones, I would recommend those by Penelope Williamson, Kathleen Woodiwiss, Marsha Canham, Kathleen Givens and others who try and stick to the historical setting. (See my lists and reviews.)

Kimberly Richards, daughter of the Earl of Amburough is still mourning her mother when her father decides to wed again-and his bride-to-be makes it clear she wants Kimberly out of the way. So it's off to the altar for Kimber-as soon as a bridegroom can be found. The only requirement seems to be that he not be a Scot-Kimberly's father has even less love for Scots than he seems to have for his own daughter.

Lachlan MacGregor, Laird of Clan MacGregor must seek a rich bride for the betterment of his clan. The gathering he's been invited to has plenty of such women-but he's still enamored of his host's wife (whom he didn't know WAS his host's wife, the Duchess of Wrothston from Man of My Dreams) from the time he tried to kidnap her from the Duke (Devlin). He doesn't even notice Kimberly-in THAT way-because they get off on the wrong foot and he's convinced that she's impossible-although when he calls her a shrew, the ensuing silence does make him feel a bit guilty.

This IS my favorite of Lindsey's books. I like-no love-the character of Duncan, and have since he was first introduced in Man of My Dreams. He's a bit of a scalawag-quite a bit, actually *G*-and he's irresistible. Kimberly's meetings with Duncan always seem to be at the wrong time and in the wrong circumstances-and he's always disturbing her sleep.

First, at the inn she stops at (where she meets him in the hall the next morning and takes his head off) on her way to the Wrothston's home, then at the Wrothston's home itself-and this while she's trying desperately to get some rest because she is ill. Duncan's ill-judged attempt at an apology the next morning only exacerbates their mutual dislike as Kimberly is much less than gracious about it.

Watching as Kimberly, sporting a red nose and not very attractive gowns, and Duncan, the quintessential rogue and ladies man, wrangle and bicker their way toward true love makes this one of Lindsey's more entertaining stories-she does do Scots rather well. Also, cranky women. *G* Highly recommended.

Reviewed by Lee M



Copyright © 2006 CK2S Kwips and Kritiques. All rights reserved.

Have you noticed that all of Ms Lindsey's Scots men are her best? They are all funny, charming, sweet, devil-may-care, unrefined and a bit clueless! I enjoyed Duncan from "The Heir", Jamie from "A Gentle Feuding" and now Lachlan.

I liked how the romance here sort of snuck up on both characters. Neither was initially interested in the other, yet there was definitely something there. Something that, as they were thrown together, started to manifest itself to real attraction and then to something more.

Kimberly was a walking contradiction in that she was always trying to be so proper, but kept doing things that were highly improper - with Lachlan! But I must say, he was hard to resist. He was very charming and persuasive and Kimberly tried desperately not to fall under his spell since she has heard Lachlan proclaim his love for someone else (their hostess, Megan). While Lachlan continues to claim devotion to Megan, he discovers that he can't get "Kimber" out of his mind.

When Lachlan is wrongfully accused of stealing horses from Megan's husband's stable, Kimberly sets out to prove him innocent. Kimberly knows he is innocent because she was with Lachlan at the time, but cannot admit that without ruining her reputation. So she and Megan take on the task of clearing Lachlan's name (without endangering Kimberly's rep). Little do both Kimberly and Lachlan know, but Megan has been playing matchmaker for them all along, throwing them together and planting seeds in each other.

Well, Megan was right, all ends well with Kimberly and Lachlan marrying and with Kimberly discovering her Scots roots and family she never knew.