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Sherring Cross #2
Love Me Forever
Still mourning her mother’s death, Kimberly Richards is incensed by the determination of her father, the Earl of Amburough, to marry her off as quickly as possible—just to please the jealous lover he plans to wed. And since Kimberly harbors a deep-seated dislike of gold-diggers and the whole distasteful state of affairs, the feisty young heiress already despises the worthy suitor she encounters at Sherring Cross Estate: Lachlan MacGregor, the dashing, newly impoverished Laird of Clan MacGregor. A tryst with the handsome, haughty Lachlan seems dubious, especially since the rogue has designs on the married Duchess of Wrothston. But strange turns and outrageous circumstances promise to lead a woefully mismatched pair to a wildly unexpected destination—where a hard, resisting heart can open to the true glories of love.
400 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1995
561 people are currently reading
2606 people want to read
About the author
Johanna Lindsey
151 books7,271 followersJohanna Helen Howard was born on March 10, 1952 in Germany, where her father, Edwin Dennis Howard, a soldier in the U.S. Army was stationed. The family moved about a great deal when she was young. Her father always dreamed of retiring to Hawaii, and after he passed away in 1964 Johanna and her mother settled there to honor him.
In 1970, when she was still in school, she married Ralph Lindsey, becoming a young housewife. The marriage had three children; Alfred, Joseph and Garret, who already have made her a grandmother. After her husband's death, Johanna moved to Maine, New England, to stay near her family.
Johanna Lindsey wrote her first book, Captive Bride in 1977 "on a whim", and the book was a success. By 2006, with over 58 Million copies of her books have been sold worldwide, with translations appearing in 12 languages, Johanna Lindsey is one of the world's most popular authors of historical romance.
Johanna's books span the various eras of history, including books set in the Middle Ages, the American "Old West" and the popular Regency England-Scotland. She has even written a few sci-fi romances. By far the most popular among her books are the stories about the Malory-Anderson Family, a Regency England saga.
Johanna Lindsey died on Oct. 27, 2019 in Nashua, N.H. She was 67.
In 1970, when she was still in school, she married Ralph Lindsey, becoming a young housewife. The marriage had three children; Alfred, Joseph and Garret, who already have made her a grandmother. After her husband's death, Johanna moved to Maine, New England, to stay near her family.
Johanna Lindsey wrote her first book, Captive Bride in 1977 "on a whim", and the book was a success. By 2006, with over 58 Million copies of her books have been sold worldwide, with translations appearing in 12 languages, Johanna Lindsey is one of the world's most popular authors of historical romance.
Johanna's books span the various eras of history, including books set in the Middle Ages, the American "Old West" and the popular Regency England-Scotland. She has even written a few sci-fi romances. By far the most popular among her books are the stories about the Malory-Anderson Family, a Regency England saga.
Johanna Lindsey died on Oct. 27, 2019 in Nashua, N.H. She was 67.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 281 reviews
May 26, 2009
The cover picture alone is one of the funniest I have seen for romance novels!
It's not actually on the cover, you have to flip it open to the second page, so I took a picture to show you
Okay, that is hilarious! I get the giggles everytime I look at it!!!!
I think I have a weird sense of humor, because most people don't know why I think these things are so funny.
But it is good entertainment. And this particular book had a Scottish Lord as the main guy(hence the kilt...HAAA!!), so the author writes all his dialog in weird phrases such as
"Och, now, dinna get defensive. 'Tis no' a bad thing, a wee bit o' shyness."
How is that not entertainment?
That line also kinda reminded me of a leprechaun.
I, personally canna' see why you would want tae be readin' some o' the boring mediocrity out there when you could 'tleast be have'na good laugh.
It's not actually on the cover, you have to flip it open to the second page, so I took a picture to show you
Okay, that is hilarious! I get the giggles everytime I look at it!!!!
I think I have a weird sense of humor, because most people don't know why I think these things are so funny.
But it is good entertainment. And this particular book had a Scottish Lord as the main guy(hence the kilt...HAAA!!), so the author writes all his dialog in weird phrases such as
"Och, now, dinna get defensive. 'Tis no' a bad thing, a wee bit o' shyness."
How is that not entertainment?
That line also kinda reminded me of a leprechaun.
I, personally canna' see why you would want tae be readin' some o' the boring mediocrity out there when you could 'tleast be have'na good laugh.
October 16, 2025
Read:10/15/25
Setting: Victorian (?), England, Scotland
trope: enemies to lovers, forced marriage, plain h sex H.
2.5 stars rounded to 3 because of the 2nd half of the book.What a disappointment! This whole series has just been really bad.
plot: Kimberly's cruel father wants her gone so he can marry a widow. He orders her to marry and do it soon. He has called in a favor from the Duke of Wrothston. The Duke and Duchess will sponsor Kimberly and find her a husband, a task they are not looking forward to carrying out. Luckily, they have another guest who is looking for a wife. 2 birds, one stone, hopefully. Kimberly knows she's too tall and plain but hopes she can find a husband who will love more than just her money.
Kimberly has a horrible trip there. Her carriage broke down twice, she's caught a cold, and she had no sleep last night at the inn, thanks to some loud obnoxious Scots. Things don't get better when she arrives. Kimberly has an awkward meeting with the Duchess, and then she gets tongue tied in front of the handsomest man she's ever seen. Her intense blushing makes the situation even more humiliating. Luckily, the Scot is too busy declaring his love to the Duchess to notice Kimberly.
Lachlan is the dream guy. He's a 6'6 sexy, charming Scot. He only has one problem... he's broke. Years ago, his stepmom absconded with the family jewels and money. Now, Lachlan supports his clan by revaving. It's time Lachlan finds himself an heiress and he has been invited to a house party by his aunt. He is shocked to discover that the beautiful Megan is his hostess. Lachlan fell in love with Megan a year ago when he kind of kidnapped her before her (now) husband beat him up. He has finally found her again, and he is not letting her get away this time. It doesn't matter that she's already married to a wealthy duke. Now, if that plain girl will stop distracting him from his goal. Whenever he is around her, he can't help but tease and pick at her. She brings out the worst in him.
Megan is hoping to play matchmaker between the pair, but they are not cooperating. She's already having a hard time just keeping her husband from killing Lachlan. Will it be too late by the time Lachlan realizes that it's Kimberly he really wants?
liked:
1. JL writing style. I was glued to the page even when I hated the plot.
2. This would have been a 2 star book if not for the 2nd half. Once their romance develops, the book starts to pick up.
3. Kimberly's surprise family. In fact, that was the best part of the whole book! 16 brothers? yikes!
disliked:
1. Did JL forget the romance? It took a while for anything to develop between the pair. They fought for most of the book and not in an entertaining way!
2. Kimberly was a forgettable shrew. At first, the way people ignored and treated her created a lot of sympathy from me. Her attitude towards Lachlan soured her my feelings toward her. She was so serious and just hard to like sometimes.
3. Lachlan could have been a great character, but he's too stupid. The first half with him being in love with Megan was so unnecessary and ridiculous! He honestly believes Megan would leave the rich husband she's madly in love with for a man she doesn't even know. 🙄. Then, when his attention finally switches to Kimberly, he's like a clueless novice.
4. Lachlan SA Kimberly pretty early in the book. She wakes up with him on top of her. Apparently, she gave him a look at dinner that said she wanted him and to not let the fact she's sleeping stop him. He doesn't even offer marriage. Instead, he's back the next morning declaring his love for Megan. ouch!
5. The Duke and Duchess's story was told in book 1. You needed to know their story because they play such a huge role in this book. In fact, their characters distract from the MC romance. I also thought Megan was kind of snobby to Kimberly in the beginning. I didn't like her this time. This book would have been a hell of a lot better without those past characters.
6. In the end, we find out what happened to Lachlan's thieving stepmom. Personally, she deserved her comeuppance, and I was kind of mad she escaped punishment.
Conclusion: This book had none of the charming humor or romance i love from JL. It just wasn't good. Personally, I'd recommend skipping this whole series.
Setting: Victorian (?), England, Scotland
trope: enemies to lovers, forced marriage, plain h sex H.
2.5 stars rounded to 3 because of the 2nd half of the book.What a disappointment! This whole series has just been really bad.
plot: Kimberly's cruel father wants her gone so he can marry a widow. He orders her to marry and do it soon. He has called in a favor from the Duke of Wrothston. The Duke and Duchess will sponsor Kimberly and find her a husband, a task they are not looking forward to carrying out. Luckily, they have another guest who is looking for a wife. 2 birds, one stone, hopefully. Kimberly knows she's too tall and plain but hopes she can find a husband who will love more than just her money.
Kimberly has a horrible trip there. Her carriage broke down twice, she's caught a cold, and she had no sleep last night at the inn, thanks to some loud obnoxious Scots. Things don't get better when she arrives. Kimberly has an awkward meeting with the Duchess, and then she gets tongue tied in front of the handsomest man she's ever seen. Her intense blushing makes the situation even more humiliating. Luckily, the Scot is too busy declaring his love to the Duchess to notice Kimberly.
Lachlan is the dream guy. He's a 6'6 sexy, charming Scot. He only has one problem... he's broke. Years ago, his stepmom absconded with the family jewels and money. Now, Lachlan supports his clan by revaving. It's time Lachlan finds himself an heiress and he has been invited to a house party by his aunt. He is shocked to discover that the beautiful Megan is his hostess. Lachlan fell in love with Megan a year ago when he kind of kidnapped her before her (now) husband beat him up. He has finally found her again, and he is not letting her get away this time. It doesn't matter that she's already married to a wealthy duke. Now, if that plain girl will stop distracting him from his goal. Whenever he is around her, he can't help but tease and pick at her. She brings out the worst in him.
Megan is hoping to play matchmaker between the pair, but they are not cooperating. She's already having a hard time just keeping her husband from killing Lachlan. Will it be too late by the time Lachlan realizes that it's Kimberly he really wants?
liked:
1. JL writing style. I was glued to the page even when I hated the plot.
2. This would have been a 2 star book if not for the 2nd half. Once their romance develops, the book starts to pick up.
3. Kimberly's surprise family. In fact, that was the best part of the whole book! 16 brothers? yikes!
disliked:
1. Did JL forget the romance? It took a while for anything to develop between the pair. They fought for most of the book and not in an entertaining way!
2. Kimberly was a forgettable shrew. At first, the way people ignored and treated her created a lot of sympathy from me. Her attitude towards Lachlan soured her my feelings toward her. She was so serious and just hard to like sometimes.
3. Lachlan could have been a great character, but he's too stupid. The first half with him being in love with Megan was so unnecessary and ridiculous! He honestly believes Megan would leave the rich husband she's madly in love with for a man she doesn't even know. 🙄. Then, when his attention finally switches to Kimberly, he's like a clueless novice.
4. Lachlan SA Kimberly pretty early in the book. She wakes up with him on top of her. Apparently, she gave him a look at dinner that said she wanted him and to not let the fact she's sleeping stop him. He doesn't even offer marriage. Instead, he's back the next morning declaring his love for Megan. ouch!
5. The Duke and Duchess's story was told in book 1. You needed to know their story because they play such a huge role in this book. In fact, their characters distract from the MC romance. I also thought Megan was kind of snobby to Kimberly in the beginning. I didn't like her this time. This book would have been a hell of a lot better without those past characters.
6. In the end, we find out what happened to Lachlan's thieving stepmom. Personally, she deserved her comeuppance, and I was kind of mad she escaped punishment.
Conclusion: This book had none of the charming humor or romance i love from JL. It just wasn't good. Personally, I'd recommend skipping this whole series.
March 31, 2014
One sure way to ruin a romantic book is to have the hero have sex with the heroine WITHOUT consent. PASS.
June 21, 2019
"Love Me Forever" is the story of Kimberly and Lachlan.
What a heartwarming and hilarious read!
In this JL gem, we have a heroine desperately in search for a husband because of her overbearing and uncaring father's demands, and being sent off to the Duke and Duchess of Wrothston for the same. It is there she meets Lachlan MacGregor, the impoverished Scottish laird, who might have made the perfect husband..except that he is STILL in love with the Duchess of Wrothston.
A set of mixups lead to passionate interludes, a robbery accusation, vigorous courting, the realization of true love and a heartwarming ending with discovering of old roots and new camaraderie.
The heroine was fiesty, the hero was sexy and charming, their lovemaking was SO HOT, the secondary characters were intriguing and everything got tied up in a clean bow by the end.
Thoroughly enjoyed it.
Safe
4/5
What a heartwarming and hilarious read!
In this JL gem, we have a heroine desperately in search for a husband because of her overbearing and uncaring father's demands, and being sent off to the Duke and Duchess of Wrothston for the same. It is there she meets Lachlan MacGregor, the impoverished Scottish laird, who might have made the perfect husband..except that he is STILL in love with the Duchess of Wrothston.
A set of mixups lead to passionate interludes, a robbery accusation, vigorous courting, the realization of true love and a heartwarming ending with discovering of old roots and new camaraderie.
The heroine was fiesty, the hero was sexy and charming, their lovemaking was SO HOT, the secondary characters were intriguing and everything got tied up in a clean bow by the end.
Thoroughly enjoyed it.
Safe
4/5
March 15, 2017
I am quite shocked at the rape scene (YES! It was rape!) that is so trivalised in this book. Lachlan came in her room in the midle of the night while she was aspleep and started having sex with her as she was still unconscious. Then she awaked confused while he is doing the deed. The next day she is undestandably angry at him and all he does is push the blame on her (hey it was your fault, you clearly had the hot for me and you liked it). Never mind that she was an innocent girl looking for marriage and only came back later with the worst proposal ever (is it marriage you want from me? Why not? As the woman I truly love rejected me once again). And started pursuing her in earnest only because she said no.
Was I supposed to like a male character who is nothing but a petulant child?
No. DNF
Was I supposed to like a male character who is nothing but a petulant child?
No. DNF
May 3, 2016
Delusional, immature, entitled prick chases after married woman despite her repeated rejections of him and professed love for her husband. Takes innocent young lady's virginity without her consent, because her eyes told him he could. But hold the outrage, it's all good, because the lass manages to squeeze a climax out of this distasteful encounter, so therefore, it's not rape! Poor affectionately deprived girl, even wants to thank him afterwards for his "gift" to her!!! She has a bit a reality check the next morning however, and finally wallops him a few times. His response to the fact that he ruined her completely while declaring his undying love for another: "Och, lass, you’ve a lot tae learn. A man will be faithful when his needs are seen tae on a regular basis. When that isna the case, he’ll be randy enough tae take whatever comes his way and be grateful for it.”
Real nice gentleman, that one!
Real nice gentleman, that one!
June 13, 2014
Historically inaccurate and confusing. A dull, unrealistic story with one dimensional characters
First, the historical inaccuracies. I'm not usually an "accuracy Nazi". It is fiction, after all, and is meant to entertain. However, when the author presents things that are so conflicting in time and place that you can't even figure out what decade the story is supposed to be taking place in, it's pretty bad. At one point, the hero's family mentions investigating the "California gold rush" as a way to raise money. Okay. So, we're led to believe this must be taking place in the 1850s, right? And yet, the descriptions of the clothing and the fact that all the characters travel by coach (no trains mentioned) means it can't possibly be the 1850s. AND THEN the author uses as a major plot point the Scottish tradition of "reaving" (which she spelled incorrectly anyway. It should be "reiving"),which is basically organized stealing from the English. This behavior was basically a thing of the past as early as the mid 1700s. So, it's either 1850, 1805 (according to the clothes) or 1690? A high school kid with a history text book could have done a better job writing a story.
Second, the one dimensional characters. The hero is madly in love with a married woman and views the heroine as an irritating termagant (Yes, dear author, we realize you own a thesaurus. Nag and Shrew also work). Then, for no real logical reason at all, he is suddenly interested in the heroine. Then, just a few skips later, madly in love with her. Why? What the hell happened? Nothing, that's what. It's an empty turn of sentiment that leads us to believe that the author is either lazy or she meant to write a character who was really that flighty.
The heroine follows the tired old plot device of not believing she is lovable because she's not a drop dead beauty. She continues to doubt the hero loves her and concocts in her mind ever more ridiculous explanations for all the kind, lovable behavior he shows toward her. It's absurd. This line is acceptable if the hero really is being round-about or if he's emotionally distant and doesn't show his feelings. Here we have a hot-blooded Scotsman who does nothing BUT show feelings, explicitly, and yet she still doubts. Simply being modest in looks (she is not ugly) is just not explanation enough for the heroine's doubts. The author should have built a more devastating back story if she wanted us to believe this. Otherwise, the heroine is just neurotic.
Finally, the twists and turns of the subplot (the heroine's father and his past) are just convoluted. We think we know the truth, then he gets drunk and reveals the "real truth"...THEN we find out that he made it all up, despite having been drunk and supposedly "letting it slip". I found the subplot with the heroine's father to just be utterly unnecessary and very poorly thought out. The entire story could have gone without any of it.
First, the historical inaccuracies. I'm not usually an "accuracy Nazi". It is fiction, after all, and is meant to entertain. However, when the author presents things that are so conflicting in time and place that you can't even figure out what decade the story is supposed to be taking place in, it's pretty bad. At one point, the hero's family mentions investigating the "California gold rush" as a way to raise money. Okay. So, we're led to believe this must be taking place in the 1850s, right? And yet, the descriptions of the clothing and the fact that all the characters travel by coach (no trains mentioned) means it can't possibly be the 1850s. AND THEN the author uses as a major plot point the Scottish tradition of "reaving" (which she spelled incorrectly anyway. It should be "reiving"),which is basically organized stealing from the English. This behavior was basically a thing of the past as early as the mid 1700s. So, it's either 1850, 1805 (according to the clothes) or 1690? A high school kid with a history text book could have done a better job writing a story.
Second, the one dimensional characters. The hero is madly in love with a married woman and views the heroine as an irritating termagant (Yes, dear author, we realize you own a thesaurus. Nag and Shrew also work). Then, for no real logical reason at all, he is suddenly interested in the heroine. Then, just a few skips later, madly in love with her. Why? What the hell happened? Nothing, that's what. It's an empty turn of sentiment that leads us to believe that the author is either lazy or she meant to write a character who was really that flighty.
The heroine follows the tired old plot device of not believing she is lovable because she's not a drop dead beauty. She continues to doubt the hero loves her and concocts in her mind ever more ridiculous explanations for all the kind, lovable behavior he shows toward her. It's absurd. This line is acceptable if the hero really is being round-about or if he's emotionally distant and doesn't show his feelings. Here we have a hot-blooded Scotsman who does nothing BUT show feelings, explicitly, and yet she still doubts. Simply being modest in looks (she is not ugly) is just not explanation enough for the heroine's doubts. The author should have built a more devastating back story if she wanted us to believe this. Otherwise, the heroine is just neurotic.
Finally, the twists and turns of the subplot (the heroine's father and his past) are just convoluted. We think we know the truth, then he gets drunk and reveals the "real truth"...THEN we find out that he made it all up, despite having been drunk and supposedly "letting it slip". I found the subplot with the heroine's father to just be utterly unnecessary and very poorly thought out. The entire story could have gone without any of it.
August 12, 2016
This book was a gift from my cousin. Later I found out that it was part of a series. Not interested to read the first book of this series though for the moment.
Since I didn't enjoy this book very much.
Since I didn't enjoy this book very much.
February 2, 2025
Not bad but I probably wouldn’t reread this book.
April 9, 2022
This book felt dated and cheesy for me. I know this is a much loved HR author, but as far as I can recall, I haven't read any of her books before. A friend gave me beautiful (secondhand) hardback copies of two of her books, including this one, so I decided to try them out. But........
I will have a go at the other book, seeing as a friend gave it to me, but I'm not expecting anything great, because this one didn't do it for me.
I just didn't really connect with the characters in this book. The h seemed slightly silly, and the H was a cute Scot, but he had done some pretty dumb stuff e.g. being a thief, and also planning to run off with someone else's wife, because he *thought* he was in love with her at the time. And making love to the h when she was pretty much asleep and hadn't yet said yes, because he thought she wanted it by the way she'd looked at him earlier. Um, no....
The plot line was OK in parts, except some of it was so lame they may as well have waved a big flag saying 'this one is the bad guy'. Yes, it was just that obvious. Um, no.... I don't enjoy books that treat their readers as dumb.
Maybe if I'd read this book when it came out in 1995, I might have enjoyed it more? IDK. It does seem very '90s' in feel. But overall, in 2017, just not for me.
I will have a go at the other book, seeing as a friend gave it to me, but I'm not expecting anything great, because this one didn't do it for me.
I just didn't really connect with the characters in this book. The h seemed slightly silly, and the H was a cute Scot, but he had done some pretty dumb stuff e.g. being a thief, and also planning to run off with someone else's wife, because he *thought* he was in love with her at the time. And making love to the h when she was pretty much asleep and hadn't yet said yes, because he thought she wanted it by the way she'd looked at him earlier. Um, no....
The plot line was OK in parts, except some of it was so lame they may as well have waved a big flag saying 'this one is the bad guy'. Yes, it was just that obvious. Um, no.... I don't enjoy books that treat their readers as dumb.
Maybe if I'd read this book when it came out in 1995, I might have enjoyed it more? IDK. It does seem very '90s' in feel. But overall, in 2017, just not for me.
November 21, 2022
Η Κίμπερλι, έχει μόλις βγει από το πένθος για το θάνατο της μητέρας της. Ο πατέρας της όμως, βιάζεται να την παντρέψει ώστε με τη σειρά του να παντρευτεί κι εκείνος. Τη στέλνει λοιπόν στο Δούκα το Ρόθστον να της βρει γαμπρό. Τη μέρα της άφιξης της, φτάνει κι ο Λαχλαν ΜακΓκρέγκορ, καλεσμένος της θείας του, προκειμένου να βρει πλούσια νύφη για να αποκαταστήσει την περιουσία που του έκλεψε η μητριά του μετά το θάνατο του πατέρα του. Όμως εκεί είναι κι η Μέγκαν κι εκείνος αποφασίζει ότι θα διεκδικήσει την κοκκινομάλλα που το έκλεψε την καρδιά - ή έτσι νομίζει.
Η Κίμπερλι, παρόλο που έλκεται από τον Λαχλαν, ξέρει ότι ο πατέρα της δεν θα δεχθεί για γαμπρό έναν Σκοτσέζο. Η απειρία της όμως, καθώς κι η απαξίωση που δείχνει, κάνουν τον Λαχλαν να την κυνηγά όπως η μέλισσα τη γύρη. Ανάμεσα τους η έλξη είναι αναμφισβήτητη, αλλά είναι αρκετή ώστε να τους δώσει το happy end που τους αξίζει?
Το συγκεκριμένο βιβλίο είναι το δεύτερο βιβλίο της σειράς Σημείο Συνάντησης και παρόλο που δεν είχε τις έξυπνες ατάκες του πρώτου μέρους, δεν παύει να ήταν ένα ευχάριστο ανάγνωσμα που με έκανε να ξεχαστώ και να ονειροπολω τη Σκωτία και τους Χάιλαντερς της, γιατί μια αδυναμία στα "κακά αγόρια" την έχουμε....
Η Κίμπερλι, παρόλο που έλκεται από τον Λαχλαν, ξέρει ότι ο πατέρα της δεν θα δεχθεί για γαμπρό έναν Σκοτσέζο. Η απειρία της όμως, καθώς κι η απαξίωση που δείχνει, κάνουν τον Λαχλαν να την κυνηγά όπως η μέλισσα τη γύρη. Ανάμεσα τους η έλξη είναι αναμφισβήτητη, αλλά είναι αρκετή ώστε να τους δώσει το happy end που τους αξίζει?
Το συγκεκριμένο βιβλίο είναι το δεύτερο βιβλίο της σειράς Σημείο Συνάντησης και παρόλο που δεν είχε τις έξυπνες ατάκες του πρώτου μέρους, δεν παύει να ήταν ένα ευχάριστο ανάγνωσμα που με έκανε να ξεχαστώ και να ονειροπολω τη Σκωτία και τους Χάιλαντερς της, γιατί μια αδυναμία στα "κακά αγόρια" την έχουμε....
April 15, 2012
Lachlan MacGregor, Laird of Clan MacGregor, has decided to give up his reaving ways and go in search of a wife, a.k.a. an "Heiress." For better or for worst, the survival of his clan is at stake. Afterall, the reaving has only allowed them to scratch by as it is. What will it matter anyway, when the woman of his dreams is unavailable. His botched attempt at abduction a year ago ensured that outcome and a thorough thrashing by her then fiance the Duke of Wrothston. Lachlan's dreams of his "bonny" lass is rekindled after arriving at his Aunt's (by marriage) home and finding it none other than the residence of the Duke and Duchess of Wrothston. This trip was intended as a means to find an heiress, but Lachlan now has other plans, that involve the Duchess of course. That is, until he meets Kimberly Richards, who happens to be a guest of the Duke and Duchess for the very same reason, to seek a betrothal. Will Lachlan's infatuation with the beautiful Duchess blind him to what feelings his heart truly holds? And will the Duchess, herself, make a successful matchmaker?
Johanna Lindsey has rarely disappointed me with any of her romances, but this one has fallen short of her usual mark. While there were aspects of this story I did quite enjoy, it lacked the depth to the characters to gain an emotional foothold on the reader. First, the hero appears much too superficial and sometimes too callous in his dealings with the heroine. He thinks he loves the Duchess and continues to pursue her even though she is married, while at the same time seducing a virgin with apparently no qualms. There just wasn't the caring and sensitivity toward his heroine to make this story a heart-ripping romance. The heroine was just a little to easily controlled to make her exciting. She already does not have the physical beauty, but I did not feel the internal beauty and mystery needed to capture attention and hearts. I mostly felt pity for her throughout the story. It definitely was not a romance that would fall under my "Unforgettables" column. So disappointing, because I usually love all things Scottish.
Johanna Lindsey has rarely disappointed me with any of her romances, but this one has fallen short of her usual mark. While there were aspects of this story I did quite enjoy, it lacked the depth to the characters to gain an emotional foothold on the reader. First, the hero appears much too superficial and sometimes too callous in his dealings with the heroine. He thinks he loves the Duchess and continues to pursue her even though she is married, while at the same time seducing a virgin with apparently no qualms. There just wasn't the caring and sensitivity toward his heroine to make this story a heart-ripping romance. The heroine was just a little to easily controlled to make her exciting. She already does not have the physical beauty, but I did not feel the internal beauty and mystery needed to capture attention and hearts. I mostly felt pity for her throughout the story. It definitely was not a romance that would fall under my "Unforgettables" column. So disappointing, because I usually love all things Scottish.
April 21, 2017
Our hero enters the heroine's room while she's asleep and dreaming of him and proceeds to rape her. I don't care if she was attracted to him, if she had an orgasm, if she was dreaming of him anyway. She was asleep and couldn't and didn't give permission.
October 18, 2022
Την Johanna Lindsey την πρωτογνώρισα αναγνωστικά όταν οι εκδόσεις Elxis ξεκίνησαν να βγάζουν τα βιβλία της σειράς "Οικογένεια Μάλορι". Αγάπησα τα τέσσερα πρώτα, με τις ιστορίες των... original αδελφών Μάλορι. Μετά, που μπήκαν στην παρέα γιοι και κόρες, κάποια μου άρεσαν και κάποια άλλα τα βρήκα μέτρια ή αδιάφορα. Έχοντας διαβάσει και τα υπόλοιπα βιβλία της που έχουν κυκλοφορήσει από τις εκδόσεις Elxis, μπορώ να πω με σιγουριά πως η συγκεκριμένη συγγραφέας οπωσδήποτε δεν συγκαταλέγεται ανάμεσα στις αγαπημένες μου. Για να μην παρεξηγηθώ, σε καμία περίπτωση δεν ισχυρίζομαι πως δεν ήταν καλή συγγραφέας η Lindsey - απλώς δεν ταιριάζει η γραφή και το γενικό ύφος των ιστοριών της στις δικές μου αναγνωστικές απαιτήσεις (με κάποιες εξαιρέσεις).
Το συγκεκριμένο βιβλίο της είναι ένα από αυτό που προσωπικά αποκαλώ "άχρωμα και άοσμα". Ενώ η ιστορία είχε προοπτικές και κάποιες -ελάχιστες- καλές στιγμές, έλειπαν αυτά τα στοιχεία που θα σε κατακτούσαν, θα σε μάγευαν, θα σε ταξίδευαν. Οι -ελάχιστες- καλές στιγμές που αναφέρω παραπάνω έχουν να κάνουν με την παρουσία στην πλοκή του ζευγαριού από το πρώτο βιβλίο της σειράς, του Ντέβλιν και της Μέγκαν. Νομίζω πως αυτές ήταν και οι σκηνές που περιείχαν μια κάποια σπίθα ενδιαφέροντος και αρκετή χημεία.
Οι δύο πρωταγωνιστές, η Κίμπερλι και ο Λάχλαν, ήταν για μένα πολύ χλιαροί, πολύ μέτριοι, πολύ... τίποτα ιδιαίτερο. Τα ψυχογραφήματά τους απλώς δεν υπήρχαν και οι δυο τους περιφέρονταν εδώ κι εκεί στο Σέρινγκ Κρος, μοιράζοντας τον χρόνο τους ανάμεσα σε άκαιρες και άκυρες αψιμαχίες τη μέρα και... κρεβατώματα τη νύχτα(!). Αρκεί όμως αυτό για να κάνει μια ιστορία ενδιαφέρουσα και όχι να θυμίζει ανάλατο φαγητό; Κατά την άποψή μου, όχι!
Ομολογώ πάντως πως το εξώφυλλο είναι από τα πιο όμορφα εξώφυλλα που έχω δει σε βιβλίο των Elxis. Αυτό του το δίνω!
Το συγκεκριμένο βιβλίο της είναι ένα από αυτό που προσωπικά αποκαλώ "άχρωμα και άοσμα". Ενώ η ιστορία είχε προοπτικές και κάποιες -ελάχιστες- καλές στιγμές, έλειπαν αυτά τα στοιχεία που θα σε κατακτούσαν, θα σε μάγευαν, θα σε ταξίδευαν. Οι -ελάχιστες- καλές στιγμές που αναφέρω παραπάνω έχουν να κάνουν με την παρουσία στην πλοκή του ζευγαριού από το πρώτο βιβλίο της σειράς, του Ντέβλιν και της Μέγκαν. Νομίζω πως αυτές ήταν και οι σκηνές που περιείχαν μια κάποια σπίθα ενδιαφέροντος και αρκετή χημεία.
Οι δύο πρωταγωνιστές, η Κίμπερλι και ο Λάχλαν, ήταν για μένα πολύ χλιαροί, πολύ μέτριοι, πολύ... τίποτα ιδιαίτερο. Τα ψυχογραφήματά τους απλώς δεν υπήρχαν και οι δυο τους περιφέρονταν εδώ κι εκεί στο Σέρινγκ Κρος, μοιράζοντας τον χρόνο τους ανάμεσα σε άκαιρες και άκυρες αψιμαχίες τη μέρα και... κρεβατώματα τη νύχτα(!). Αρκεί όμως αυτό για να κάνει μια ιστορία ενδιαφέρουσα και όχι να θυμίζει ανάλατο φαγητό; Κατά την άποψή μου, όχι!
Ομολογώ πάντως πως το εξώφυλλο είναι από τα πιο όμορφα εξώφυλλα που έχω δει σε βιβλίο των Elxis. Αυτό του το δίνω!
August 18, 2015
I was intrigued by the story. This was due in large part to Lachlan being in love with another woman that is not the heroine. I was interested in how a romance would develop and how he could backtrack. Sadly, the resolution did not live up to the promise of a good story. I found myself underwhelmed by the hero, who was a capital asshole. I could not believe that he climbed into her bed and took away her virginity without consent. His behaviour afterwards was not even apologetic and my opinion of him was soured from then on. I didn't care that he had a heavy burden as a child. There is generally a common decency in people and sadly, he didn't possess one. Also, I wasn't a fan of him declaring love while lusting and fucking other women. I liked the heroine though. She was practical and no nonsense. She knew he didn't love her and she faced facts early on. She was realistic and far too smart for him. It is a shame she didn't meet someone more to her match. I think their pairing owed a lot more to lack of other candidates than anything else. It was really underwhelming to find that his attempts to woo the duchess was more passionate than his romance with the heroine. I found their romance kind of bland and resigned even if they did confess they loved each other.
The story revolves around Kimberly. His father wants to marry her off so he could start a life with his mistress, who is soon to be his wife. He called in a favour and it led her to Sherring Cross. There, she is to be matched to another gentleman. The duchess has her matched with Lachlan, who has eyes only for the duchess. He is there to find a wife of his own because his clan is bankrupt. However, finding the duchess again distracted him from his duty. He set about to seduce her but she wasn't having it. I don't know why she didn't just say she had a child with her husband and to fuck off, I will never know. Nevertheless, this was another obstacle to the romance between the hero and the heroine. Additionally, the heroine learned of the hero's desperate need for money. This dissuaded her from the idea of marriage with him.
Some other things that happen in the book include finding the real thief of the horse. It turns out it was a nobleman who was seeking revenge. He had been humiliated by the hero and banked on the hero's reputation for being a thief. The hero was beaten badly by the duke so the heroine took it upon herself to prove his innocence. She managed to trick the servant into giving up the nobleman's name.
The other thing that happen was the resolution to the stolen money. It turns out that his stepmother was the heroine's soon to be stepmother. When he found her, she had already blown through the money. She defended herself by saying that she lived through poverty and didn't want to get back to that. She lived in seclusion but eventually came out and threw lavish parties. She is near bankrupt. They came to an arrangement in which the heroine's father will pay for half and the heroine's dowry will be the other half. The stepmother basically got away with stealing but unbeknownst to me, this wasn't the last villain to get away scot free after wreaking havoc in other people's lives.
Oh, the issue of marrying her because of money was debunked when she was being threatened to be disowned. He said he would marry her still even if she was penniless and had no dowry.
This was an average book but what really sunk this book was the female cousin. Did I really need to read about her. It really didn't add to anything except that the heroine had her treasures destroyed. How did the cousin turn out? Well, she married a good man who she was secretly in love with. The cousin lashed out but all is well and good in her life. I wish this part was cut out of the book, she seriously irritated me and I would have preferred it if she was banished out in the forest.
So, this book was an alright book despite some questionable events, which devolved into a terrible book when the female cousin turned up. I wish she had her just desserts but she didn't ,which had me scratching my head as to what her purpose was in the story. It didn't add to it, in fact, it worsened the story to me.
The story revolves around Kimberly. His father wants to marry her off so he could start a life with his mistress, who is soon to be his wife. He called in a favour and it led her to Sherring Cross. There, she is to be matched to another gentleman. The duchess has her matched with Lachlan, who has eyes only for the duchess. He is there to find a wife of his own because his clan is bankrupt. However, finding the duchess again distracted him from his duty. He set about to seduce her but she wasn't having it. I don't know why she didn't just say she had a child with her husband and to fuck off, I will never know. Nevertheless, this was another obstacle to the romance between the hero and the heroine. Additionally, the heroine learned of the hero's desperate need for money. This dissuaded her from the idea of marriage with him.
Some other things that happen in the book include finding the real thief of the horse. It turns out it was a nobleman who was seeking revenge. He had been humiliated by the hero and banked on the hero's reputation for being a thief. The hero was beaten badly by the duke so the heroine took it upon herself to prove his innocence. She managed to trick the servant into giving up the nobleman's name.
The other thing that happen was the resolution to the stolen money. It turns out that his stepmother was the heroine's soon to be stepmother. When he found her, she had already blown through the money. She defended herself by saying that she lived through poverty and didn't want to get back to that. She lived in seclusion but eventually came out and threw lavish parties. She is near bankrupt. They came to an arrangement in which the heroine's father will pay for half and the heroine's dowry will be the other half. The stepmother basically got away with stealing but unbeknownst to me, this wasn't the last villain to get away scot free after wreaking havoc in other people's lives.
Oh, the issue of marrying her because of money was debunked when she was being threatened to be disowned. He said he would marry her still even if she was penniless and had no dowry.
This was an average book but what really sunk this book was the female cousin. Did I really need to read about her. It really didn't add to anything except that the heroine had her treasures destroyed. How did the cousin turn out? Well, she married a good man who she was secretly in love with. The cousin lashed out but all is well and good in her life. I wish this part was cut out of the book, she seriously irritated me and I would have preferred it if she was banished out in the forest.
So, this book was an alright book despite some questionable events, which devolved into a terrible book when the female cousin turned up. I wish she had her just desserts but she didn't ,which had me scratching my head as to what her purpose was in the story. It didn't add to it, in fact, it worsened the story to me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2017
Can't decide between 1 or 2 stars because the middle section was strangely enjoyable. It was almost as though the author rushed through the beginning because she wanted to write the main plot.
But holy hell. The beginning. I don't even know where to begin. The main guy is an asshole; the girl is decent until she steps within 3 feet of the guy and then she turns into a blushing, stammering twit; their interactions are forced and boring; and the changes in character's feelings are so sudden my neck hurt from whiplash. The guy moans and bitches about how much he loves the married woman (he's a keeper, ladies) and how much he hates the main girl, before suddenly confessing his undying love for the new girl with a wave of halfhearted lines from the author.
And let's not forget the small matter of how
Just wow.
But holy hell. The beginning. I don't even know where to begin. The main guy is an asshole; the girl is decent until she steps within 3 feet of the guy and then she turns into a blushing, stammering twit; their interactions are forced and boring; and the changes in character's feelings are so sudden my neck hurt from whiplash. The guy moans and bitches about how much he loves the married woman (he's a keeper, ladies) and how much he hates the main girl, before suddenly confessing his undying love for the new girl with a wave of halfhearted lines from the author.
And let's not forget the small matter of how
Just wow.
August 19, 2014
My first Johanna Lindsey novel and it blew me far far away from the modern times. This book was left on my shelf for years after I bought it and it wasn't until recently that I decided to give it a go and what do you know, it was like a dimond underneath all that coal dust!
'Love me forever' tells a story of the romance between Kimberly Richards and Lachlan MacGregor. With some twists and turns and bumps along the way, the two who met under less than ideal circumstances started to feel things for each other they've never felt before. The pace of the book was just right and character development was done well. The main protagonists of the story (Kimberly and Lachlan) was also very likable. An amazing change of pace, this book took me on an adventure and gave me a chance to relax.
After reading this, I am most certainly a Johanna Lindsey fan and will not rest till I read all her books!
'Love me forever' tells a story of the romance between Kimberly Richards and Lachlan MacGregor. With some twists and turns and bumps along the way, the two who met under less than ideal circumstances started to feel things for each other they've never felt before. The pace of the book was just right and character development was done well. The main protagonists of the story (Kimberly and Lachlan) was also very likable. An amazing change of pace, this book took me on an adventure and gave me a chance to relax.
After reading this, I am most certainly a Johanna Lindsey fan and will not rest till I read all her books!
July 25, 2019
The one thing I disliked about this was that, in the beginning, no matter how many times Megan told Lauchlin that she was happily married, he still kept after her. I know it was a plot point to carry from the previous book, but I just didn't like it. Other than that, I loved it!
July 17, 2025
5/5 💜
I liked it. A fast-paced read with plenty of events, interesting characters, and sparks flying everywhere. And the pain some of the characters went through truly broke my heart... I absolutely adore Johanna Lindsey's books.
Lachlan and Kimberly were adorable, and their arguments and so-called "hatred" were actually pretty funny.
The only flaw this book had was that it ended too soon.
I'll be reading the next one soon (which is also the last in the series), but I'm holding off a little... because I know it'll be hard to say goodbye to these characters.
I liked it. A fast-paced read with plenty of events, interesting characters, and sparks flying everywhere. And the pain some of the characters went through truly broke my heart... I absolutely adore Johanna Lindsey's books.
Lachlan and Kimberly were adorable, and their arguments and so-called "hatred" were actually pretty funny.
The only flaw this book had was that it ended too soon.
I'll be reading the next one soon (which is also the last in the series), but I'm holding off a little... because I know it'll be hard to say goodbye to these characters.
April 15, 2016
Ever since I discovered Goodreads, if I found a book I wanted to read because I'm intrigued by the blurb, I would always look up the reviews. And most of the time, I would end up not wanting to read the book anymore. It's been so hard to find a book that Goodreads reviews don't dissuade me from that I try to resist the temptation to read reviews beforehand, so that I actually give some books a chance. That's why I didn't look up this book before I started reading it after plucking it off the shelf. I've loved a couple of Lindsey's books so I told myself this one would be good too.
I started reading the first chapter and was little annoyed with the dialogue, the "dinna" and "tae" and stuff but I told myself I'd get over it (I didn't). Anyway, in the first chapter the hero, MacGregor (I've already forgotten his first name and it's only been 5 hours) keeps mentioning a bonny lass named Megan. He has a major crush on her and so I start to think that's the girl he'll end up with. That's why I was so confused when the second chapter is all about Kimberly. Is Megan her middle name? Does she change her name? What is going on???
And then we get to chapter three and it starts of with the name Megan St. James. OOOOOH. That Megan. That's when understanding dawned on me. That's when I realized I should've looked up the stupid book. Because I had already decided NOT to read this book, back when I had just finished Man of My Dreams. I had loved that book and was ready to devour the sequel. At least until Goodreads told me what it was about: an aspiring homewrecker.
I never fell in love with MacGregor. He annoyed me every time he spoke and his stupid accent just amplified my annoyance. His obsession with Megan made me so mad, I had considered putting this on my seriously-pissed-me-off shelf. The only reason I didn't is because the books on that shelf made me burn with anger for days but I still finished those books; this book made me angry for a moment and then I couldn't care less what happened in the end anymore.
The only thing I liked about this book was the heroine. I wanted to see her fix up MacGregor's household with her numerous skills and also make the clan adore her. But after so much of MacGregor's atrocious dialogue and his continuing efforts of trying to be a homewrecker, I put the book back on the library shelves.
Lesson learned: always check with Goodreads first. It might be hard to find books I won't be dissuaded to read, but the ones I do start reading are much more likely to be gems.
I started reading the first chapter and was little annoyed with the dialogue, the "dinna" and "tae" and stuff but I told myself I'd get over it (I didn't). Anyway, in the first chapter the hero, MacGregor (I've already forgotten his first name and it's only been 5 hours) keeps mentioning a bonny lass named Megan. He has a major crush on her and so I start to think that's the girl he'll end up with. That's why I was so confused when the second chapter is all about Kimberly. Is Megan her middle name? Does she change her name? What is going on???
And then we get to chapter three and it starts of with the name Megan St. James. OOOOOH. That Megan. That's when understanding dawned on me. That's when I realized I should've looked up the stupid book. Because I had already decided NOT to read this book, back when I had just finished Man of My Dreams. I had loved that book and was ready to devour the sequel. At least until Goodreads told me what it was about: an aspiring homewrecker.
I never fell in love with MacGregor. He annoyed me every time he spoke and his stupid accent just amplified my annoyance. His obsession with Megan made me so mad, I had considered putting this on my seriously-pissed-me-off shelf. The only reason I didn't is because the books on that shelf made me burn with anger for days but I still finished those books; this book made me angry for a moment and then I couldn't care less what happened in the end anymore.
The only thing I liked about this book was the heroine. I wanted to see her fix up MacGregor's household with her numerous skills and also make the clan adore her. But after so much of MacGregor's atrocious dialogue and his continuing efforts of trying to be a homewrecker, I put the book back on the library shelves.
Lesson learned: always check with Goodreads first. It might be hard to find books I won't be dissuaded to read, but the ones I do start reading are much more likely to be gems.
March 23, 2022
Διαβάστε το review στο site μας:
https://www.culture21century.gr/2022/...
Το δεύτερο βιβλίο της σειράς "Σημείο συνάντησης" κυκλοφόρησε από τις εκδόσεις Elxis πολύ πιο σύντομα απ' όσο περιμέναμε, μειώνοντας έτσι την αναμονή μας στο ελάχιστο δυνατό, επιτρέποντάς μας να συνεχίζουμε το ρομαντικό μας "ταξίδι" στο σύμπαν όπου μας σύστησε η Johanna Lindsey με το "Δάσκαλος στην απάτη". Και μπορεί το βιβλίο αυτό να μην είναι τόσο απόλυτα διασκεδαστικό όπως ο προκάτοχός του, σίγουρα, όμως, θα ευχαριστήσει πολλές fans του είδους -ειδικά όσες έχουν αδυναμία σε "κακά" αγόρια από τη Σκοτία, που φοράνε κιτλ και ένα αυστηρό προσωπείο προσπαθώντας να κρύψουν πίσω από αυτό όσα πραγματικά αισθάνονται.
Η Κίμπερλι Ρίτσαρντς βρίσκεται σε μια πολύ δύσκολη φάση της ζωής της, όπου καλείται να αντιμετωπίσει περισσότερα απ' όσα μπορεί στην πραγματικότητα. Πρέπει ν' αποδεχθεί τον θάνατο της μητέρας της, τον επικείμενο γάμο του αυστηρού και αδιάφορου απέναντί της πατέρα της, με μια γυναίκα με την οποία διατηρούσε σχέση επί πολλά χρόνια, ο οποίος, σαν να μην έφταναν όλα τα άλλα, έχει βάλει σκοπό να παντρέψει και την ίδια, έτσι ώστε να την ξεφορτωθεί οριστικά και ν' αποποιηθεί κάθε ευθύνη που μπορεί να έχει απέναντί της -πρότυπο πατέρα, δεν μπορείτε να πείτε. Γι' αυτόν τον λόγο, αλλά και για να μην δώσει σε κανέναν την ικανοποίηση πως έβαλε χέρι στα λεφτά και στο όνομά της, η Κίμπερλι είναι αποφασισμένη ν' απορρίψει όσους άντρες προσφερθούν να πάρουν τη θέση του συζύγου στο πλευρό της.
Η ιστορία μας εκτυλίσσεται έναν χρόνο μετά το τέλος του "Δάσκαλος στην απάτη", όπου η Μέγκαν και ο Ντέβλιν ζουν παντρεμένοι, ευτυχισμένοι, έχοντας αποκτήσει ήδη το πρώτο τους παιδί, με την Κίμπερλι να γίνεται μάρτυρας της ευτυχίας αυτής, η οποία διόλου ευτυχισμένο δεν κάνει τον λόρδο Λάχλαν ΜακΓκρέγκορ, που τον είχαμε γνωρίσει στο πρώτο βιβλίο της σειράς, και ο οποίος παραμένει να είναι ερωτευμένος με τη Μέγκαν, αρνούμενος να σταματήσει να την διεκδικεί. Βέβαια, όταν η Κίμπερλι θα μπει στη ζωή του, αρχικά ως μια κοινή ενόχληση που στην πορεία μέλλει να εξελιχθεί σε κάτι άλλο, ο έρωτάς του αυτός μπαίνει υπό αμφισβήτηση και αρχίζουμε να έχουμε μια πολύ ξεκάθαρη εικόνα εμμονής, όχι πραγματικών συναισθημάτων.
Όπως προανέφερα, αυτό το βιβλίο δεν είναι τόσο διασκεδαστικό όσο το πρώτο, αφού υστερεί σε χιουμοριστικές στιγμές, χωρίς όμως αυτό να σημαίνει πως απουσιάζουν εντελώς. Αντίθετα, όταν αυτές υπάρχουν είναι ιδιαίτερα απολαυστικές και πονηρά αστείες, απλά θεωρώ πως θα μπορούσαν να είναι περισσότερες, δεδομένου ότι υπήρχε πρόσφορο έδαφος για κάτι τέτοιο. Παρ' όλα ταύτα, το "παιχνίδι" της εξέλιξης και της διαμόρφωσης της σχέσης ανάμεσα στους δύο κεντρικούς μας ήρωες, χωρίς να παίρνει βραβείο πρωτοτυπίας ή να μας ξαφνιάζει με τρόπους που δεν περιμέναμε και δεν φανταζόμασταν, ακολουθεί έναν σταθερό ρυθμό και μια καλή αφηγηματική ροή, που αποδεικνύεται ιδιαίτερα ξεκούραστη και μας παρασέρνει μαζί της.
Σίγουρα, υπάρχει χημεία ανάμεσα στην Κίμπερλι και στον Λάχλαν, που όσο σέξι είναι, άλλο τόσο ενοχλητικός είναι -αλλά για κάποιον άγνωστο λόγο, όλες οι γυναίκες έχουμε γοητευτεί έστω και μια φορά στη ζωή μας από έναν κόπανο αυτής της κατηγορίας-, με τον δεύτερο να μας χαρίζει μερικές απ' τις πιο αστείες στιγμές της ιστορίας -όπως όταν αντιδρά σπασμωδικά επειδή ζηλεύει χωρίς καν να το αντιλαμβάνεται-, αλλά την ίδια στιγμή και την πιο ενοχλητική, σύμφωνα με τα δεδομένα του σήμερα, χωρίς να θέλω να αναφερθώ περισσότερο σε αυτήν -αν και είμαι βέβαιη πως όταν την συναντήσετε, θα καταλάβετε αμέσως σε ποια αναφέρομαι. Ωστόσο, επειδή η ιστορία είναι γραμμένη σε μια λιγότερο political correct εποχή, ενώ τοποθετείται σε μια ακόμη προγενέστερη, μπορώ να δώσω συγχωροχάρτι και ν' απολαύσω τα καλά, αστεία και ρομαντικά της στοιχεία στο τέλος της ημέρας.
https://www.culture21century.gr/2022/...
Το δεύτερο βιβλίο της σειράς "Σημείο συνάντησης" κυκλοφόρησε από τις εκδόσεις Elxis πολύ πιο σύντομα απ' όσο περιμέναμε, μειώνοντας έτσι την αναμονή μας στο ελάχιστο δυνατό, επιτρέποντάς μας να συνεχίζουμε το ρομαντικό μας "ταξίδι" στο σύμπαν όπου μας σύστησε η Johanna Lindsey με το "Δάσκαλος στην απάτη". Και μπορεί το βιβλίο αυτό να μην είναι τόσο απόλυτα διασκεδαστικό όπως ο προκάτοχός του, σίγουρα, όμως, θα ευχαριστήσει πολλές fans του είδους -ειδικά όσες έχουν αδυναμία σε "κακά" αγόρια από τη Σκοτία, που φοράνε κιτλ και ένα αυστηρό προσωπείο προσπαθώντας να κρύψουν πίσω από αυτό όσα πραγματικά αισθάνονται.
Η Κίμπερλι Ρίτσαρντς βρίσκεται σε μια πολύ δύσκολη φάση της ζωής της, όπου καλείται να αντιμετωπίσει περισσότερα απ' όσα μπορεί στην πραγματικότητα. Πρέπει ν' αποδεχθεί τον θάνατο της μητέρας της, τον επικείμενο γάμο του αυστηρού και αδιάφορου απέναντί της πατέρα της, με μια γυναίκα με την οποία διατηρούσε σχέση επί πολλά χρόνια, ο οποίος, σαν να μην έφταναν όλα τα άλλα, έχει βάλει σκοπό να παντρέψει και την ίδια, έτσι ώστε να την ξεφορτωθεί οριστικά και ν' αποποιηθεί κάθε ευθύνη που μπορεί να έχει απέναντί της -πρότυπο πατέρα, δεν μπορείτε να πείτε. Γι' αυτόν τον λόγο, αλλά και για να μην δώσει σε κανέναν την ικανοποίηση πως έβαλε χέρι στα λεφτά και στο όνομά της, η Κίμπερλι είναι αποφασισμένη ν' απορρίψει όσους άντρες προσφερθούν να πάρουν τη θέση του συζύγου στο πλευρό της.
Η ιστορία μας εκτυλίσσεται έναν χρόνο μετά το τέλος του "Δάσκαλος στην απάτη", όπου η Μέγκαν και ο Ντέβλιν ζουν παντρεμένοι, ευτυχισμένοι, έχοντας αποκτήσει ήδη το πρώτο τους παιδί, με την Κίμπερλι να γίνεται μάρτυρας της ευτυχίας αυτής, η οποία διόλου ευτυχισμένο δεν κάνει τον λόρδο Λάχλαν ΜακΓκρέγκορ, που τον είχαμε γνωρίσει στο πρώτο βιβλίο της σειράς, και ο οποίος παραμένει να είναι ερωτευμένος με τη Μέγκαν, αρνούμενος να σταματήσει να την διεκδικεί. Βέβαια, όταν η Κίμπερλι θα μπει στη ζωή του, αρχικά ως μια κοινή ενόχληση που στην πορεία μέλλει να εξελιχθεί σε κάτι άλλο, ο έρωτάς του αυτός μπαίνει υπό αμφισβήτηση και αρχίζουμε να έχουμε μια πολύ ξεκάθαρη εικόνα εμμονής, όχι πραγματικών συναισθημάτων.
Όπως προανέφερα, αυτό το βιβλίο δεν είναι τόσο διασκεδαστικό όσο το πρώτο, αφού υστερεί σε χιουμοριστικές στιγμές, χωρίς όμως αυτό να σημαίνει πως απουσιάζουν εντελώς. Αντίθετα, όταν αυτές υπάρχουν είναι ιδιαίτερα απολαυστικές και πονηρά αστείες, απλά θεωρώ πως θα μπορούσαν να είναι περισσότερες, δεδομένου ότι υπήρχε πρόσφορο έδαφος για κάτι τέτοιο. Παρ' όλα ταύτα, το "παιχνίδι" της εξέλιξης και της διαμόρφωσης της σχέσης ανάμεσα στους δύο κεντρικούς μας ήρωες, χωρίς να παίρνει βραβείο πρωτοτυπίας ή να μας ξαφνιάζει με τρόπους που δεν περιμέναμε και δεν φανταζόμασταν, ακολουθεί έναν σταθερό ρυθμό και μια καλή αφηγηματική ροή, που αποδεικνύεται ιδιαίτερα ξεκούραστη και μας παρασέρνει μαζί της.
Σίγουρα, υπάρχει χημεία ανάμεσα στην Κίμπερλι και στον Λάχλαν, που όσο σέξι είναι, άλλο τόσο ενοχλητικός είναι -αλλά για κάποιον άγνωστο λόγο, όλες οι γυναίκες έχουμε γοητευτεί έστω και μια φορά στη ζωή μας από έναν κόπανο αυτής της κατηγορίας-, με τον δεύτερο να μας χαρίζει μερικές απ' τις πιο αστείες στιγμές της ιστορίας -όπως όταν αντιδρά σπασμωδικά επειδή ζηλεύει χωρίς καν να το αντιλαμβάνεται-, αλλά την ίδια στιγμή και την πιο ενοχλητική, σύμφωνα με τα δεδομένα του σήμερα, χωρίς να θέλω να αναφερθώ περισσότερο σε αυτήν -αν και είμαι βέβαιη πως όταν την συναντήσετε, θα καταλάβετε αμέσως σε ποια αναφέρομαι. Ωστόσο, επειδή η ιστορία είναι γραμμένη σε μια λιγότερο political correct εποχή, ενώ τοποθετείται σε μια ακόμη προγενέστερη, μπορώ να δώσω συγχωροχάρτι και ν' απολαύσω τα καλά, αστεία και ρομαντικά της στοιχεία στο τέλος της ημέρας.
May 18, 2020
2.75 stars
April 16, 2020
Локлан Макгрегър е леърд на клана Макгрегър. След смъртта на баща му, мащехата му бяга от крепостта отнасяйки със себе си цялото богатство на клана, пари и бижута. Години по-късно, единственият начин, който Локлан е намерил, за да спаси клана си е заедно с двама от братовчедите си да ограбват англичани влезли в страната им. Но доходите от грабежите не са достатъчни да изхранват клана и Локлан е готов да опита нещо ново. Колкото и да не му се иска, той решава да си намери богата съпруга, за това моли баба си, която е англичанка да му помогне в това начинание. Локлан заминава за Англия, към дома на дук Сейнт Джеймс, без да подозира, че дука е мъжа, който е опитал да ограби преди година, и в чиято годеница се е влюбил от пръв поглед. Сега виждайки Мегън, Локлан вярва, че има още ед��н шанс да спечели заслепяващата красавица и да я отмъкне от дука. Нищо, че с всеки изминал ден, мислите му непрестанно се насочват към друга устата англичанка.
Кимбърли е принудена от студения си баща да си намери съпруг, за да може час по-скоро да напусне дома му. Графа има само едно условие. Мъжа да не е шотландец. Иначе не го интересува нищо друго, само единствената му дъщеря да се махне, така, че той да се ожени за вдовицата пленила сърцето му. Кимбърли знае, че не е пленителна красавица, и че зестрата и собственото й богатство ще я направят изкусителна хапка за всеки зестрогонец, затова е готова да подбере много внимателно бъдещият си съпруг. Сърцето й обаче непрестанно я тегли към един сладкодумен шотландец, който я изкарва извън нерви и чийто целувки я разтапят. Но ако се омъжи за него, баща й ще я обезнаследи... а и съществува малката подробност, че той е влюбен в друга жена.
Колкото и да се насладих на книгата, на забавните и сладурски моменти, на непрестанните караници между Кимбърли и Локлан, не спирам да се нервя на това, колко обсебен беше той от Мегън. Дори след като И все пак книгата като цяло ми хареса много. Частта с
Давам 4 звезди на книгата при реални 4,5. Просто на моменти много се нервех на Локлан, което ми попречи да й дам 5те звезди, с които обикновено оценявам книгите на Джоана Линдзи.
Кимбърли е принудена от студения си баща да си намери съпруг, за да може час по-скоро да напусне дома му. Графа има само едно условие. Мъжа да не е шотландец. Иначе не го интересува нищо друго, само единствената му дъщеря да се махне, така, че той да се ожени за вдовицата пленила сърцето му. Кимбърли знае, че не е пленителна красавица, и че зестрата и собственото й богатство ще я направят изкусителна хапка за всеки зестрогонец, затова е готова да подбере много внимателно бъдещият си съпруг. Сърцето й обаче непрестанно я тегли към един сладкодумен шотландец, който я изкарва извън нерви и чийто целувки я разтапят. Но ако се омъжи за него, баща й ще я обезнаследи... а и съществува малката подробност, че той е влюбен в друга жена.
Колкото и да се насладих на книгата, на забавните и сладурски моменти, на непрестанните караници между Кимбърли и Локлан, не спирам да се нервя на това, колко обсебен беше той от Мегън. Дори след като И все пак книгата като цяло ми хареса много. Частта с
Давам 4 звезди на книгата при реални 4,5. Просто на моменти много се нервех на Локлан, което ми попречи да й дам 5те звезди, с които обикновено оценявам книгите на Джоана Линдзи.
August 29, 2018
This book was RIDICULOUS - and not in a good way.
1. I didn't read the first one so I had no connection to Megan / Devlin / Lachlan. Megan and Dev are featured int he story a lot and their past is referenced, but I just didn't care.
2. There's no easing into this story. And yet, where we start off is not exciting.
3. The first three chapters are all "introductions" - the first is an intro to Lachlan, the second to Kimberly, the third to Megan and Devlin. So even though it jumps right in... it's boring as hell.
4. Lachlan is obsessed with Megan, even though she's married with a child.
5. Lachlan becomes obsessed with Kimberly when she gets a makeover and is suddenly pretty.
6. The rape scene ??????? Kimberly literally says that she remembers drinking champagne, and then blacks out and realizes she's having sex. I mean.... c'mon.
7. The ridiculous plot twists. What was even the plot of this book????? There were so many tiny plots??? The marriage mart; the horse thief; the father; the step-mother; the inheritance; the jealous cousin; the bastard father.
8. The writing of accents. Jesus.
1. I didn't read the first one so I had no connection to Megan / Devlin / Lachlan. Megan and Dev are featured int he story a lot and their past is referenced, but I just didn't care.
2. There's no easing into this story. And yet, where we start off is not exciting.
3. The first three chapters are all "introductions" - the first is an intro to Lachlan, the second to Kimberly, the third to Megan and Devlin. So even though it jumps right in... it's boring as hell.
4. Lachlan is obsessed with Megan, even though she's married with a child.
5. Lachlan becomes obsessed with Kimberly when she gets a makeover and is suddenly pretty.
6. The rape scene ??????? Kimberly literally says that she remembers drinking champagne, and then blacks out and realizes she's having sex. I mean.... c'mon.
7. The ridiculous plot twists. What was even the plot of this book????? There were so many tiny plots??? The marriage mart; the horse thief; the father; the step-mother; the inheritance; the jealous cousin; the bastard father.
8. The writing of accents. Jesus.
May 6, 2018
The book started quite nice. Halfway through Kimberly’s search for a husband I must say I was kind of rooting for the middle aged Englishman who was handsome, nice, interested in her and having good talks with her. His determination to learn to ice skate made him even more attractive in my opinion. Not because I’m such a fan of ice skating but this man has enough depth and character to broaden his horizon. He’s not just an airhead who only wants to bed a woman. The ‘hero’ Lachlan on the other hand, seems so shallow that he keeps pursuing Kimberly’s hostess, the dutchess of Wrothston, despite the fact that she is happily married, just because she’s a stunning beauty, and in the mean time hopped in bed with Kimberly while drunk. Not much to admire in Lachlan so far, more the opposite!
Then a few horses are stolen en Lachlan (who again was drunk) is suspected and beaten for it, and while searching for the stolen horses he decides he wants to marry Kimberly. By this time I lost interest...
Then a few horses are stolen en Lachlan (who again was drunk) is suspected and beaten for it, and while searching for the stolen horses he decides he wants to marry Kimberly. By this time I lost interest...
October 11, 2020
De todos los libros de mi eterna, fantástica y adorada Johanna Lindsey es el libro al que tengo más cariño, lo compré en 1996 estudiaba y trabajaba y fue el primer libro que me compré "YO con mi dinero".
He perdido la cuenta de las veces que lo he leido desde entonces y sigo enamorada de Lachlan y Kimberly.
Para mí es la novela más divertida y entretenida. Su prota es un escocés con un corazón enorme que tiene enfrente a una mujer decidida con los arrestos suficientes para plantar cara a un padre abusivo. Una pandilla de escoceses maleducados. Una familiar del escocés con un ataque de celos y el descubrimiento de un secreto propio.
A todo ello ayudan los diálogos, la ironía, el sentido del humor, las puyas, los malentendidos entre ellos pero sobre todo la pareja secundaria, Megan y Devlin, protagonistas de El hombre de mis sueños donde Lachlan fue una pieza importante y salió escaldado de sus intentos para demostrar a Megan que él era el hombre ideal para ella.
Maravilloooooosaaaaaa.
He perdido la cuenta de las veces que lo he leido desde entonces y sigo enamorada de Lachlan y Kimberly.
Para mí es la novela más divertida y entretenida. Su prota es un escocés con un corazón enorme que tiene enfrente a una mujer decidida con los arrestos suficientes para plantar cara a un padre abusivo. Una pandilla de escoceses maleducados. Una familiar del escocés con un ataque de celos y el descubrimiento de un secreto propio.
A todo ello ayudan los diálogos, la ironía, el sentido del humor, las puyas, los malentendidos entre ellos pero sobre todo la pareja secundaria, Megan y Devlin, protagonistas de El hombre de mis sueños donde Lachlan fue una pieza importante y salió escaldado de sus intentos para demostrar a Megan que él era el hombre ideal para ella.
Maravilloooooosaaaaaa.
May 20, 2012
Well, you know, it's a romance novel. Not graphic love scenes, but completely overdone cliches. I know I read this before, but I couldn't for the life of me remember how it ended, so that should tell you how memorable it was. However, it's a nice bit of fluff (if you weren't a Women and Gender Studies major or minor in college) and good for a palate cleanser between heavier reads.
May 14, 2009
Total guilty romp. My best friend and I have read this repeatedly. A romance novel of romance novels.
March 23, 2014
Slow plot and not very exciting. I collect books, but won't keep this one to reread in the future nor will I recommend to fellow readers.
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