Customer Reviews

Taming the Heiress

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Meg was beautiful and defiant, Dougal was strong and dashing, Iain was sweet and innocent, Sir Erik was dastardly and plotting...all combining to make the PERFECT historical romance read. This is the best read of the summer! It made me dream of going to the beach to find my own kelpie/silkie.

I could not wait for this trilogy to come out, and I am not disappointed!!! TAMING THE HEIRESS is a wonderful story!! It's full of charm and romance, passionate and charming, with great touches of humor, mixing Celtic legends with a nineteenth century setting. I loved it, as I have loved all of Ms. King's other books, which are medievals. Once again she treats us to her warm poetic writing style, and she draws us into a wonderful world where the characters are so real you wish they were your own family. Great start for a great Victorian trilogy! If you love Scotland and nineteenth century romances, or if you love Sootland for its legends and its magic--you will love this story.

Buying into the myth that dominates her tiny town, Meg MacNeill gives herself body and heart, to a "selkie" who washes up on the shore, hoping her sacrifice will assure her village's blessing. She never expects to fall in love, or to have her lover disappear into the night.

Seven years later, she is a wealthy heiress, bent again on saving her town. Then, her "selkie" comes face to face with her, this time all too human. Dougal Stewart has not entered her life to bless her town this time, but threatening its way of life. Both have been haunted by that night, and what's more, there was a fruit of their passion. Knowing the full truth will either bind them or drive them apart as they weave through a maze of blackmail and deceptions.

***** This fairy tale for adults has the magic of love in every chapter. Destiny proves a strong force as the hero and heroine prove themselves worthy of the titles, facing challenges with grit and courage. *****

Meg was one of the best heroines ever; she was sweet, smart, compassionate, and troubled.
With the exception of the prologue, there didn't appear to be any real attraction between Meg and Dougal although they often "looked into each other's eyes," but there was no spark. After more than 100 pages the best we got was Dougal touching Meg's elbow every now and then and this was supposed to make her melt. I couldn't see how, really.
Then the author gives us a scene in the end wherein Dougal is in serious trouble and his friends are attempting to help him. Now we know a hero almost always survives, especially in a romance novel, and unless there is some challenge from a villian or a storm, why give the reader these wasteful pages of "wondering" whether or not Dougal's going to make it?
And while I praise Susan King's knowledge of history and occupations of the era, we are subjected to WAY too much information.

Meg & Dougal meet and have a passionate encounter and part. He's not sure he didn't imagine it. She thinks he cruelly used her. They meet again 7 years later, and what should have been a poignant short story becomes a ridiculous novel. Meg hides her identity from Dougal without a very good reason; in the end she "comes clean". I liked the characters, but I felt someone as accomplished as Meg would have acted better.

I had not read a book by this particular author before, but I really enjoyed this one.

Both the heroine and the hero were quite likable (though Meg was perhaps a bit too stubborn for her own good).

The setting, on the Scottish islands (rather than the more frequently used highlands) was evocative. It sounded like an absolutely gorgeous place.

The Scottish legends that became part of the plot were interesting, as was the construction of a lighthouse in such a remote spot.

Another good book from Susan King. Her stories are so different from your average historical romance. Her writing is intelligent, touching and humorous. She brings the characters together constantly throughout the book...which is what we all want. Ms. King's lead male characters are always the right blend of strength, beauty, intelligence and vulnerability. I enjoy her work right along with Madeline Hunter. They're both 2 of the best writers in the business today.

I was eager to purchase this book, because it was receiving such rave reviews by Amazon customers. Unbeknownst to me, this book turned out to be a complete SNOOZE! This was my very first Susan King book, and sadly, it might be my last.

King is a wonderful writer, but this book quickly drowns my interest. The plot labors on too much circumstantial evidence; the pacing is very slow; the intellectualized issues detract from the romance (large part for my frequent snoozing); and the characters are all tiresome and dull--with exception to Evan, Dougal, and Norrie. Meg, the female protagonist of this novel, does not get my vote for best leading lady of the year. Reason: She constructs a lousy syllogism about her first sexual encounter with Dougal. Most of her arguments are ridiculous and they are generally unfounded and based on poor assumptions.

The only highlights I found in the book were the rare peaks of sexual tension between Meg and Dougal, which happened early on in the story. Yet, after skimming thru the rest and finally reaching the 'cliffhanger ending,' I was actually glad... yes, GLAD... to see a romance novel end!

In 1850 Scotland, her family sends Meg MacNeill out in a storm to the shore where they expect her to win the heart of a kelpie. Dougal Stewart arrives at the remote rock where Meg awaits her destiny. Thinking he must be the kelpie in human disguise, she seduces him. However, not long afterward she realizes her error of giving her virginity to a mortal male. Their tryst leaves her with a son and anger towards Dougal for betraying her heart.

By 1857, Meg has inherited a title and wealth that makes her Scotland's richest heiress. Her money provides some entrance into Edinburgh society, but her upbringing keeps her more at home. Currently she is fighting against an engineer, who wants to build a lighthouse on the rock in which she lost her innocence. Her opponent is none other than her enemy for life Dougal. She conceals much from Dougal especially the facts that she is his lighthouse foe and that he sired her son. However harder to hide from him is that she loves him.

This engaging Scottish Victorian Era romance will please fans of the mid nineteenth century novels. Though the plot uses trite devices, the story line still hooks the audience, as fans will adore the lead couple especially relishing their battles. TAMING THE HEIRESS is a well-written tale that readers will appreciate as Susan King displays her fine tuned talent.

Harriet Klausner

Despite some lingering typos, this was a first-rate, absorbing book with super characters, an enchanting romance, and plenty of Scottish flavor. This one goes on my buy list. A delight!