The Heir

Okay, I've read a few of Johanna's books now, and this one just didn't work for me. I'm giving it 2 stars for the interesting characters of Ophelia and Mavis - these gals had dimension to them, and even though Ophelia was bratty, at least we got to see her emotions.

The hero & heroine, Duncan & Sabrina - we never really see what they are like, they are both pretty much one-hit wonders. Duncan was okay, but I didn't find him to be all that exciting or dashing or interesting in any real way. Sabrina we are told is funny, and maybe she is in a mild way. I didn't really think so but Duncan apparently did. The worst thing about these 2 is we NEVER REALLY SEE THEM TOGETHER VERY OFTEN OR FOR VERY LONG. This is a big 'oops' for me - I don't know when I've read a book with such little interaction between a hero & heroine. This one took the cake in that dept.

One thing that I found interesting was the grandfathers. I honestly thought I'd like the Scottish grandfather better than the English one, but it turned out the English one was the better of the two. I was totally shocked. I really didn't care much for the Scottish grandfather at all.

Despite my feelings about the h & h, I want to read Ophelia's story. I have a feeling it might be pretty good, and I want to see her reform. I think Rafe will be just the right man to help her towards the goal. I'm waiting for paperback because I don't want to spend $25. on the hardback in case I am wrong.

Of Johanna's books I've read so far, the ones I like best are 'You Belong To Me', 'Gentle Rogue', 'Love Me Forever', 'When Love Awaits', and 'The Magic Of You'. All of these I would give 4-5 stars.

This is the second book I've read by Johanna Lindsey and I was a bit disappointed. The heroine, Sabrina is one of the most likable heroines because of her humor. I actually caught myself laughing out loud at times, but I just wasn't feeling the romance at all. Sabrina admits to herself that she's desperately in love with our hero Duncan after only seeing him 2 or 3 times and the only real "love scene" in the book was over so quickly and unromantically that I had to re-read it to be sure it actually happened. The story was good, I wished she did more to give us a build-up to the romantic parts (this is supposed to be a romance novel, after all). Plus the most annoying part: the Scottish dialogue. I felt like I needed a dictionary just to get through it. It was enjoyable but not my favorite.

I just reread The Heir because The Devil Who Tamed Her was coming out. I enjoyed Duncan MacTavish and Sabrina Lambert's story. The secondary characters were very good too, especially Rafe and Ophelia. I do not agree with some other reviewers that Johanna Lindsey has changed her writing style. I have enjoyed all of her stories and think her characters are well developed and interesting. I would say these two were very young. They are usually a little more mature, but still very good.

Even though I'm giving it a 'B', I really did enjoy this story. The MAJOR reason to enjoy it is the familial relationships between Duncan and his two grandfathers, and the two grandfathers themselves (Neville is my favorite). Another MAJOR reason to enjoy the story are the other secondary characters, Mavis and Rafe.

I don't know how Lindsey does it, but she is able to create these engaging secondary characters, and in this case, those characters carry the story. The pages are alive with them present, and deadens when they are not there.

That is not because Duncan and Sabrina aren't well drawn and interesting. However for me there was a showstopper in the middle of the book, and that is the first time Duncan and Sabrina make love. I thought that it was just not believable that Duncan would casually take Sabrina's virginity. And, unfortunately, the concept of being compromised is CENTRAL to the story. So for the rest of the pages the reader is asking themselves ... AND ... what about what happened in the carriage with Sabrina???? The 'dark past' thing with Sabrina didn't get me over that hump.

I hate reading a story where I sit' there slapping my forehead every other page. However the secondary characters are SO interesting, that they more than make up for my major issue, and make this story a captivating and compelling read. Think of it as a story about Neville and Archie trying to get what they want, and it is a better story.

It was okay for me. Not her best, not her worst. I will read more from her though. Thank you.