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27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very good, but..., July 19, 2006
This review is from: Taming The Highlander (Harlequin Historical) (Mass Market Paperback)
I stayed up till 4 a.m. last night to finish this one, I love Highland Romance's and I really enjoyed this story. The first thing I have to say, that was constantly on my mind while reading, is how similar the premise was to Julie Garwood's "The Bride," (one of my all time fav's). The Prologue, the circumstances on how the heroine Jocelyn comes to be bartered to the Laird Connor and even the plot pertaining to his first wife's demise and the threat to his new one. The fact that he's not willing to open his heart again to a new wife, and even the perpetrator are all so similar that I'm not sure if I was happy to have found another so like one that I loved, or if I was annoyed that it fell short in comparison.
The only reason I feel that it fell short is that the H/H didn't have enough really great scenes together. Sure they had sex often, but I'm talking about the tender moments, the flirtations, the winks, those she seemed to share with his sexy cousin Rurik. For the majority of the story Connor holds himself from her to the point that he seems very one-dimensional. He was aloof and dull, I feel that there was more tension between Jocelyn and his cousins Duncan and Rurik that, had the plot permitted, either one would have made a much better match for Jocelyn. I really needed to see more of Connor, his "the sex is great, but I don't want you" attitude lasted way too long. And it was very realistic, in a way. She had her heart set to marry another, and he needed an heir but didn't want to risk his heart again. But with their consummation scenes, she's repeating another man's name in her head to get through it, and he's only interested in getting it done and going back to his room, he doesn't see to her at all if you catch my drift. Just enough to ease his way, and that's all, throughout too much of the story. The somber mood really needed to be lightened a lot more between these two to have made this story an exceptional read.
It definitely was a good book, I'm just sad in a way that I found an author who could really tell a great story, one that even brought tears and smiles, but lacked in only one very significant way... chemistry between the H/H. I live for the creative banter some authors give us between their characters. I guess this author chose to give us these moments through her secondary characters. So yes, this is a very good book, I am floundering with whether or not I would recommend it...Yes, it is definately worth the time spent,but If you haven't read "The Bride" yet, I would have to say that they are both very good in differant ways. Since Garwood has put her writing of historical's on hold I am ever vigilant in my search for Highlander's. I have found that Lynsay Sands, Sue Ellen Welfonder, Kinley Macgregor and Karen Marie Moning are just as fabulous.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
4-1/2* Sweetly Sensual Highland Romance, July 28, 2006
This review is from: Taming The Highlander (Harlequin Historical) (Mass Market Paperback)
There wasn't much warning before Jocelyn MacCallum's world was turned upside down. For duty, love of clan, and to gain the release of her imprisoned brother, she would be wedded and bedded to the "The Beast", Connor MacLerie the fearsome laird of the powerful MacLerie clan. With arrangements finalized she had two hours to gather her belongings and be escorted to her groom.
Swearing to himself to never love another, Connor intentionally perpetuated the belief that he had caused his late wife's demise. As Laird he needed an heir so sent his man to bring back a bride `neither fair of face, or a terrified twit'. Jocelyn was more angry than terrified and her temper and outspokenness would soon shock, then amuse, but more importantly, would gain Connor's respect.
*** Brisbin delivers a compelling read of two people wed together for duty's sake and neither wanting or expecting love to enter the equation. Building their relationship slowly it gave Jocelyn time to come to her own conclusions that as surly as he appeared, Connor was not the `beast' everyone believed. Connor eventually took notice of Jocelyn, outside of the bedchamber, as she wormed her way into his heart undermining his defenses. Assorted secondary characters were terrific with engaging qualities and personalities, barring the villain in the piece who was somewhat of a surprise in the climatic ending. However, the real strength behind this story was the tightly woven strands in the development of the relationship between Connor and Jocelyn. Brisbin showcases her impressive talent in delivering a very palatable, pleasantly paced, sensual romance that her fans should relish.
Marilyn Rondeau, RIO - Reviewers International Organization
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Connor kind of barbaric...., March 23, 2009
This review is from: Taming The Highlander (Harlequin Historical) (Mass Market Paperback)
This was a great story, but was overshadowed by Connor's conduct. Why was he so rough with Jocelyn? Where most men would gently grasp a woman's shoulder to get her to turn around, or place a hand to her back to guide her forward, this guy always SHOVED Jocelyn! Literally shoved her, and also he DRAGGED her, when he wanted her to accompany him somewhere. Disgraceful.
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